MANY world-class professional footballers frequent the Premiership in this age. In the lower echelons of the sport many journeymen professionals with far less skill and ability ply their trade.

Transfer this scenario to Forest of Dean District Council and the recent revelation that a statutory consultee such as the Coal Authority has arrived with such critical information so very late in the process is frankly totally unbelievable.

We must be thankful for the expert detail contained within the letter (Review, August 8) from Mr Morgan.

The council planning chairman of 12 years states "above all it is important we get this scheme right." Really!

Referring to the £14.7 million the council leader states: "the money had been well spent to where we are now." Really! Spent on what? Don't tell me consultants!

Mr Morgan is absolutely correct and an open and transparent public inquiry covering all aspects of this ever increasing sorry tale is a must.