With reference to your headline about the abuse experienced by Ray Franklin at the recent planning meeting.

With reference to your headline about the abuse experienced by Ray Franklin at the recent planning meeting. It does, at last, show the true colours of a small, venomous group of self-appointed people who believe it is their role to prevent any form of change in our environment.

I experienced extreme unpleasantness a few years ago when unsuccessfully attempting to secure planning consent to build a home for my family. Similarly, the attacks were personal and very hostile.

I accept that everyone is entitled to express their points of view as part of the democratic process. However, there is a word to describe a person who seeks to suppress any opposition, refuses to accept other point of view and seeks to control how others should live, often in an aggressive and dictatorial manner. That word is Fascist.

Padrig Fleming,

Hollytree Cottage,

High Street, East Budleigh .