Its consultation questionnaire asks for preferences regarding the extent and distribution of new development in the county, which the council has already decided.

A friend visited the road- show at the Victoria Hall to see the council's presentation and raise her concerns for the future of the county.

She was met with a blanket 'Well we have already have considered that' by the official she talked to.

She left feeling patronised and enraged by this behaviour.

It is a common reaction to consultations by this council that there is no point in attending, since it has already decided what it wants to do and will do it come what may.

This recent exercise confirms that dispiriting view of democracy and local government in Rutland.

The 20 Year Vision is a fix, stopping the Local Development Framework embracing the lower rate of development in the regional plan by some 50 dwellings per year over 20 years.

Quite why the council wants to expand Oakham by 40 per cent and essentially destroy its character escapes me, but I can see why land owners and property developers might want this opportunity.

The council has also decided to put the villages in a cage, with little development; a plan that will ensure that they can be high price dormitories.

Presumably the council wants the servants and shop assistants it was so concerned about to live in the towns and serve the gentry in the villages.

Rethinking the future of Rutland is still vital – the Rethink campaign is working on the awkward and intimidating questionnaire the council has issued, and if readers would like to contribute to this work they can get in touch via info@20yearvision.org.uk or e-mail me at malcolm@mhs9ds.plus.com

May I take this opportunity to thank the 100 plus supporters who came to the council meeting on September 8 and witnessed the dismal procession of councillors nodding in the destruction of Rutland.

Malcolm Smith
Dean's Street,
Oakham