Watching the BBC programme A Very English Village last week, concerning the development of a pub site in Ditchling, my thoughts were only of sympathy for the residents.

We here in Englefield Green in Surrey have the same problem with Runnymede Borough Council.

It has sold land within our walled cemetery for the development of 32 houses.

Like Ditchling, we have protested with petitions, letters and so on, only to be told "this is democracy at work".

As all the councillors are of the same party, there is little doubt of the outcome.

Yes, democracy was born here in 1215, but its fate will sealed with all due rites and ceremony in the council chambers.

Sadly, owing to the council's planning, there will no longer be room for any interments in our village cemetery.

Kevin Barry
Bond Street,
Englefield Green