I do hope Stuart Wilson won't mind me correcting one small, but important detail, in his letter (November 20): York Council are employing the services of a Queen's Counsel - no mere barrister to defend their corner in the forthcoming Coppergate II public inquiry.

There is a big difference in status as well as in fees.

I couldn't agree more with Mr Wilson's comments about the unwarranted expense that the council have brought upon themselves.

Rod Hills limply shrugs off the scandalous cost of the inquiry as the price of democracy (Evening Press November 15).

Not so, York Council's complete disregard for any semblance of democratic process as observed in its refusal to consult with the people of York over this scheme, has resulted in local taxpayers picking up the bill for what looks to be a very expensive mistake.

Roy Templeman is reported to have said that the council will be criticised if the issue is not presented properly to the city. Too late! He should have thought of that when the relevant planning proposals were being bulldozed through committee in November last year, and remind himself how the council has listened to nothing other than its own voice on the matter ever since.

How many streets will have to remain unswept, how many refuse bins left to overflow, and roadways left to crumble to help pay for this latest face-saving exercise.?

N Field,

Cherry Hill Lane,

Bishops Wharf, York.

Updated: 09:27 Saturday, November 24, 2001