CAN anyone explain to me how this is democratic – or even legal? About a year ago, rumours began to circulate about plans to redevelop the Westway shopping centre. A public meeting was arranged with representatives of the Vale Of White Horse District Council.

They told local residents that the council was in discussions with possible developers but could not reveal definite plans, because they were subject to commercial confidentiality until after the deal was signed.

We must not worry though, because after the deal was signed there would be a full consultation process and plenty of opportunity to influence the plans. In due course, Doric was named as developer and consultation surveys were circulated.

But Doric ignored our opinions and eventually revealed a plan so monstrous that the community has united in opposition to it. And yet when we complain, guess what?

Matthew Barber, the leader of the council, says the secret contract that Vale officers signed with Doric last year legally binds us to them. And unbelievably, it is actually written into the contract itself that the public are not allowed to know the details of this contract which binds us.

Bob Cowley

Cope Close

Botley

Oxford