Sir Winston Churchill is reported to have remarked that democracy is the worst system of government until you look at all the others. The first part of this comment was amply demonstrated by full council at its meeting on Thursday, December 2. 

Apart from Cllr Marion Winship, who presented her motion regarding the proposed disposal of parts of the Forest most eloquently, councillors brawled their way through a two-hour debate on a single motion made necessary because of a Conservative amendment.

To a seasoned council watcher the low standard of debate was no surprise but many in the public gallery sat bemused at the lack of knowledge and preparation of councillors who must have known that this matter, above all others, would elicit a large public audience.

Not just their demeanour, but their low standard of attire is worthy of comment in passing, as many councillors showed their lack of respect for their electors in their scruffy dress.

Lack of preparation was commented on by many in the public gallery. An example was the recent sale of Bircham Wood, a fact of which some councillors appeared unaware. Surely it is part of their remit to keep abreast of local events, particularly when they are pertinent to the Public Bodies Bill?

Leaving that aside, anyone taking part in a public discussion should make some effort to acquaint him or herself with the facts of the matter and be prepared to defend a chosen position.  For some on Thursday their defence appeared to be merely a recital of their Forest antecedents followed by a sheep-like vote for their political party.

This was possibly the worst aspect of last Thursday's meeting – the politicisation of a matter that should unite residents of the Forest.

Despite assurances we have had that there is no whipping, not one Conservative spoke or voted against the party line, so many Forest ancestors must be turning in their graves.

The public has the right to question why the leaders of the parties and factions did not meet prior to Thursday and agree a motion sending a simple and unequivocal message to Parliament, backed by our elected member, Mark Harper. Why not begin with 'Hands Off Our Forest?' Surely that is clear and concise enough?

– Dr Daphne Pearson, Tinman's Green, Redbrook.