For once I find myself in agreement with a point made by Councillor Richard Denton-White (‘Take your chance for democracy’, Echo, April 11).

Elections allow us an opportunity to nominate and vote for those we believe to be best fitted to represent us and make decisions on our behalf.

In other words, if we neglect this responsibility we get the local and national government we deserve.

However before presenting his opinions for public scrutiny Coun Denton-White would be well advised to study both the recent history and geology of Portland and verify his sources.

In a Town Council island-wide survey 80 per cent of the people of Portland asked for a supermarket.

Bottomcombe, a brown field site within the area of the Portland Plan, could have been developed as another dense housing estate causing further problems for our already severely stretched infrastructure.

I doubt whether this would have pleased those who live around Easton Square.

Instead, the planners recommended, and our elected councillors decided to endorse the proposal for a small number of dwellings, a supermarket and a care home, thus satisfying the need expressed by the majority and ensuring much needed job opportunities for local people.

This is democracy at work.

Carenza Hayhoe, Portland.