West Dorset District Council Leader Robert Gould’s assertion that the time for questioning is now over actually overlooks the fact that Charles Street building itself raises many questions.

True, it could become affordable dwellings, commercial or charity offices, etc. But just as past acts are commemorated in Dorchester, for example the Tolpuddle Martyrs plaque, or the statues of Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, so the biggest investment in the 38-year history of WDDC should be. And it is – by this edifice.

The issue isn’t Phase 2, the hoped-for shopping development. It’s Phase 1, the council’s new offices, obliterating Charles St South car park.

And the fact that most councillors, the West Dorset public and 200 Dorchester retailers were unaware of crucial true facts, when Phase 1 commenced.

The issue was never confined to bricks and mortar, but was about democracy as practised by the leaders of WDDC.

Thanks to this edifice posterity won’t have to rely on handed-down word-of-mouth – or some small historical plaque – to remember the acts of 2008-12.

It will instead have a physical monument to local government of truly gigantic proportions.

And men and women will say ‘How could both the Tolpuddle plaque and this monstrous edifice co-exist in the same town?’ Also ‘What have council leaders learned about the public between the two events?’ Probably the greatest disservice is the danger that the public feels so alienated by the acts of the few that they opt out of democratic action, abstaining from voting.

The building itself asks the questions. Our group will continue to hold a magnifying glass over council leaders’ actions.

Coun Gould’s cry for the ‘questioning to stop’ overlooks the fact that evidence of what has been done remains at the scene, and will be its own inspiration to ensure true democracy is never suppressed, but will fight on.

John Grantham Public Holds WDDC to Account