I read recently that the owner of the Bantham Estate lost a case in the High Court.

He was criticised by the judge for “ making things up as he went along and saying, in court, whatever he thought most likely to advance his case”. He formed a negative view, he said, “of Nicholas Johnston’s willingness to give reliable evidence”.

Recently, Mr Johnston has put forward plans that would fundamentally change this area and has taken the opportunity to call the local residents “selfish and bigoted” in the national press.

It reminds me of the words of King Henry II that led to the dispatching of Thomas Becket.

All rather worrying.

Declan Dwyer

Ilbert Road, Thurlestone