COUN Geoff Williams frequently reminds fellow councillors that the district auditor is unhappy with city council planning committee members making planning decisions, that not only consider the people affected, but dare to make judgements and overturn the city council officers recommendations.

Are planning committee members Coun Williams, Denham and Hodges supporting the Government line that means more and more planning powers to be given to appointed city officers, and Worcester becoming officer-led?

This would also mean not considering public opinion at all, no input from your elected councillors, but continuing with the Government's policy by also scrapping county councils and removing yet another level of democracy on our march towards Regional controlling assemblies and Europe.

Why are they so against or afraid of democracy?

BRIAN HUNT,

Worcester.