SIR, — In the midst of all the campaigning concerning supermarket applications at Morpeth, I find it strange that no attention has been drawn to the way in which this matter will finally be decided.
Since the demise of Castle Morpeth Borough Council, planning applications referring to Morpeth are decided at the Northumberland County Council North Area Planning Committee (No 4).
This committee consists of ten persons from the whole of the nort
hern area covering Morpeth, Alnwick, Berwick, and a number of other Parish Councils.
Morpeth has just one representative on this committee — David Moore — and one other close neighbour, David Woodard, representing Pegswood.
I am well aware that strict non-politically based planning laws apply in the consideration of all applications but cannot in my heart of hearts dismiss the feeling that being one representative in a committee containing three such proud and historically competitive towns as Morpeth, Alnwick and Berwick must have some unspoken effect on attitude when making decisions.
Can these disparate places really enter into each other's sensitivities? Will they not in fact colour decisions?
The old District Council over the years came to terms with differences between Ponteland, Morpeth and the 'East'. Will the new area take as long?
There is nothing to be done about this new 'democratic' system, but the public is allowed to attend meetings which are always on the first Thursday of the month. The next one is on July 2 at 2pm in Committee Room Three at County Hall, but there is — as yet — no date known when the supermarket issue will be debated.
I would urge all voters to monitor the way the system is developing and keep in touch with our representatives.
JOY WIGHT
Morpeth
