WITH regard to the proposed West Way development in Botley, I have read the Vale of White Horse Scrutiny Committee’s report on the conditional contract signed between Vale of White Horse district council and a shell company (Doric). I cannot understand how The Vale could have entered into a contract for the sale of public assets purchased in the year 2000 for £5.8m, to Doric, a company which, according to Companies House, had a share capital of £4 and liabilities of £750,000 (March 31, 2013).

Who are the financial backers for Doric in support of this speculative venture? Are they the two directors, or some other (unknown) party? Furthermore, what guarantee is there that, should this project proceed, these unknown financial backers will fulfill Doric’s contractual obligations?

Finally, I maintain that there is a fundamental conflict of interest between The Vale’s responsibilities as a planning authority and its financial interest in the area it has agreed to sell. I have just written to Matthew Barber, Leader of the council, asking all of the above, and keenly await his response.

NEIL CAMERON
Conifer Close
Botley