Democracy is a strange animal. The residents of Masters Grange in Kirkby Lonsdale have, after a noble struggle, lost the battle over a footpath.

None of the householders were aware of the pathway prior to the purchase of their homes. The question to be answered is - would they have purchased their homes if aware of an impending pathway and would they have paid the price?

Apart from a lack of consultation, indeed a number of residents only became aware of the pathway on the very day they gained initial possession of their homes.

The residents are all aware of the importance of safety particularly of children but the decision makers at South Lakeland District Council showed no understanding of their plight and they were barely referred to.

Mel Mackie

High Casterton