I am writing in response to your article 'Ashton plans spark fierce debate' (Evening Post August 24). Where are the politicians in all this, who should be representing the constituents, they are rarely to be seen or heard.

We are supposed to be in a democracy where our well paid representatives of Westminster are there to govern and serve, give the people the best deal possible – and if that cannot be achieved a referendum would be the democratic answer.

We are talking green belt; we are trying to protect our precious fields from concrete, over-priced shoddy housing and inadequate infrastructure.

We are dealing with ruthless speculators who land bank for years ahead, waiting for the opportunity to cash in, pestering councils and planners, thinking up schemes.

This has to stop, we cannot build forever and a day. The people must come first, quality living and not overcrowding and bottleneck roads. Heavy taxes, stealth taxes, petty fines and costs should all be abolished. The English Democrats believe in federal democracy; a referendum, the fairest way of achieving a sensible solution, to these planning issues, backed up with an English parliament....encouraging England's cultural identity.

Lee Christian, English Democrats South West Organiser, Failand.