Sir, – The recent controversy in Thirsk concerning the destruction of the trees in the Market Place continues to rumble on. Shortly after the incident Cllr Gareth Dadd set up a so-called stakeholder/community group to examine possible options for the future of the pedestrian area next to the Clock Tower.

In response to a recent request concerning the membership of this group he has now issued a statement in which he refuses to identify who has been invited to attend its meetings. However he does say that, once the group has formulated its ideas on a permanent project for this area of the Market Place, it is at that point that a public consultation will take place.

This response from Cllr Dadd is quite unacceptable. The group which he convenes and chairs will have a huge influence over what happens to this very important area of public space, which is central to the Market Place and which is publicly owned, and yet it is self-appointed – Councillor Dadd decides who should be invited to sit on the group and all the names of the participants are kept secret. The recommendations of this secret group will then determine what the public are subsequently consulted upon.

There is absolutely no transparency nor accountability in such a process. Hambleton District Council, which has ownership of the land on behalf of the public, should step in now and halt it as an affront to democracy. Only a properly nominated body, meeting in public and in consultation with the residents of the town, should be empowered to have such a degree of influence over the future of such an important public asset.

STEVE HOYLAND Sowerby, Thirsk.