Sir – I am afraid Mr Hall has been economical with the truth concerning the Bodicote footpath diversion (Letters, December 15). The county council had to incur the expense of a public inquiry because a dozen residents of Bodicote and Bloxham (which the footpath connects) objected to the county council’s earlier democratic decision to allow the diversion.

There are some 5,000 residents in Bodicote and Bloxham and I am afraid we have a clear case of a tiny tail wagging the dog with the active encouragement of Mr Hall and his rambling friends and supporters. If this was a waste of public money, it was at the behest of the likes of Mr Hall.

Keith R Mitchell, Leader of the council, County Hall