WHEN residents, by force of valid argument, oppose the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's unpopular greenfield development at Derwenthorpe and the Freemasons' Connaught Court extension of their existing development at Fulford, it is a futile exercise.

These organisations project a reputation of being caring, considerate and benevolent. The belief is that democracy implies equal rights and privileges for all.

Yet there are many instances when this is not the case when one is up against the power and influence of the "old boys network" and an organisation which has the money and determination to build and develop against the wishes and best interests of the communities involved.

Futile as it may seem in the face of the power and influence such organisations enjoy, the protesters fighting for the rights of their communities such as Derwenthorpe and St Oswald's Road, Fulford should be given every support possible to achieve a fair and equitable outcome.

Elizabeth Earle,

Dower Court,

William Plows Avenue, York.

Updated: 11:43 Thursday, January 06, 2005