NINE months ago, West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said the following at the council meeting of July 14, 2011.

“Members will have seen a recent statement from the chairman of Simons, Paul Hodgkinson, that he remains confident that Phase 2 of the scheme will commence next year.” (ie 2012) Since then it’s confirmed by Simons and WDDC that it won’t.

Astonishingly Simons also now says the ‘deliverability of Phase 2 is extremely vulnerable’ to the latest plans put forward at Brewery Square.

Time and again before the election, Coun Gould argued the placing of the council’s new offices on top of Charles St South car park would help make Phase 2 happen.

We warned the leader of this flawed thinking.

WDDC’s ‘green leaflet’ prospectus to the electorate is not happening.

WDDC clearly hope building-work can accelerate so the new offices can be entered before it’s confirmed Phase 2 can’t survive a double-dip recession, and also that the Stratton House complex will not generate the promised £3.5million savings.

Via this letter can I inform the nearly 100 people who voted at a public meeting in Dorchester a fortnight ago to invite Coun Gould to a public meeting, that he has again refused our invitation.

Sad indeed of a council leader in a democracy.

Will he also refuse councillors the opportunity to debate on May 17 at their AGM – or before – the totally changed circumstances on Charles Street.

In particular, outlining the options and costs/benefits now of using the shell of the building under construction for social/ affordable housing/ charity/ commercial etc use, and revamping Stratton House for continuing use now that the complex will definitely not raise £3.5m?

Many councillors weren’t even elected when the fateful and erroneous decisions were taken.

They must now debate the entirely new situation for us – it is our money.

Do we really want to furbish this shell with new office interiors and furniture?

John Grantham Public Holds WDDC to Account Address supplied