I AM responding to the criticism that is being levelled at the public consultation exercise which the county council is undertaking in connection with the possible relocation of Christopher Whitehead High School.

There have been suggestions made that the process is undemocratic, which is the reverse of the truth.

What could be more democratic than seeking as many views as possible from people in the area and providing them with a prepaid reply form for their views? Surely this is the best way to gauge local opinion.

When the responses are received and analysed, elected members of the county council wilL have a clear picture of what the local community really thinks.

Only then can members take a properly informed decision that balances potentially conflicting interests.

Rather than threatening democracy, I think this is exactly the process you would expect in a democracy.

DAN WICKSTEED,

County councillor.