When making your voice heard can count (From Wharfedale Observer)

When making your voice heard can count

1:58pm Thursday 19th July 2007

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PEOPLE power' is a much denigrated concept, and cynics are always quick to gloat when a petition or campaign group fails to persuade the Government, big business or a local authority to change course.

But every now and then, despite overwhelming odds, a community-led group does score a victory - and when that happens we should all celebrate as it proves that democracy, at its most fundamental level, can still work. To be sure Wharfemeadows Action Group's success this week in getting Leeds City Council to hold an inquiry into its decision to fence off part of the riverside at Otley is only a partial victory.

And the fact the Scrutiny Board has also recommended that no work on the contentious scheme should start while the inquiry is ongoing, while welcome, may in the end prove meaningless (the executive board, which must ratify the recommendation, is not due to meet again until September).

Be that as it may - the fact remains that concerned residents, by presenting a detailed, coherent case passionately, have persuaded city councillors to go through the process that led to the river fence decision being taken with a fine toothcomb.

That may not in the end see the decision overturned, but it does at least suggest that the local authority will listen to the people it's supposed to represent if they shout loud enough.

It seemed like the perfect solution all round. Arthington had a church standing empty - and the Coptic Church congregation needed their own place of worship. So when the followers of the ancient Egyptian-based Christian church acquired the now redundant St Peter's the move prompted a favourable reaction from villagers.

Those who had been parishioners at the C of E church were pleased that it was set to become the focal point for Christian worship again. And their Coptic neighbours-to-be have gone out of their way to keep villagers informed and to become an accepted part of the community.

So it is especially sad that the application has fallen foul of planning legislation. Let's hope the matter can be resolved.

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