Published at 07:36, Wednesday, 27 February 2013

I WONDERED how long it would be before another application to build houses would be submitted by the Duke of Northumberland.

Coun. Phil Holden (left) and Ken Rusby are among local residents alarmed at Northumberland Estates’ plans for a housing development on land near Piper Road, in Ovingham

Perhaps I am being a little cynical, but at the same time as Northumberland Estates wants to build on land at Ovingham (Courant, February 15), I notice that the Duchess wants to extend her ‘heritage’ gardens in Alnwick for the benefit of all.

Not that this has anything to do with building houses on green belt land and selling them at a tidy profit to assist in her magnanimous heritage build.

No. These houses will be built for the benefit of the locals whether wanted or not. Ungrateful people!

These must be the same people who objected to the redevelopment of Prudhoe Front Street and it was all being done for their benefit too.

Never mind the protests. It seems to me that the only difference between medieval dukes and the modern day dukes is their methods. The medieval dukes in their suits of armour got their minions to ride roughshod over the peasants.

Modern day dukes in their Armani suits get their high powered lawyers to do exactly the same – crush protest and ignore the peasants who will soon get sick and capitulate.

PAUL SPEARS,

Prudhoe

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk