WE have read with interest the recent articles and letters published about the planning dispute still ongoing in Wick (side garden 16 Wick House Close). These articles paint a picture of a poor retired couple that have been very hard done by and are in need of protection from neighbours.

Anyone who knows the couple see them as an active fit pair who were already enjoying their retirement in Wick and have many interests and friends here.

We are sure they do not want to be seen as some infirm, incapable, old couple.

As objectors we would like to take this opportunity to say that we do not condone and have not instigated any direct action against the Drs Cox's or the building in any way.

We will continue our legal rights to protest with our second Ombudsman enquiry now opened.

It is fitting that district councillor Mr Meikle should apologise to the Cox's in his recent letter. Indeed his whole-hearted support at the committee hearing of this plan could be seen as instrumental in getting it passed, thus putting the applicants at odds with many villagers wishes.

The hearing was attended by another couple of objectors who were astounded to hear the support from our district councillor especially as we had all been sent a letter from the then head of planning Mr Jack Hegarty only days before informing us that the recommendation was for refusal (13 out of 22 reasons of planning law listed in the planners report).

We are indeed neighbours of the Drs Cox's and residents of the beautiful village of Wick where our family can be traced to the 1760's.

This whole affair has been damaging to both the residents and the fabric of the village.

In our minds we are quite clear who has been ultimately responsible for this mess and are hoping to prove this legally.

We expect to be treated with the same respect as any other villager and to be given the same rights under law.

MR R A ROBERTS AND MRS C A ROBERTS, Waylands, Yock Lane, Wick.