Whether the County Council realised the effects of all the appeals on farmers and landowners throughout the country remains, like much of this sad case, a mystery. Since the change of political complexion at County Hall, it could have been a good time for the new members to clear out this skeleton and take control of the officers. If you have walked the paths, seen the gates and feel that:

• this has been a gross abuse of power by Somerset County Council
• it is wrong to waste ratepayers' money in pursuing a non-existent highway obstruction
• illegal and unethical to enter into secret indemnities to finance personal vendettas

then contact the following:

Leader of the County Council: Cllr Ken Maddock, County Hall, Taunton TA1 4DY, email here

The County Solicitor, email here.

Chairman of Highways, Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, County Hall, Taunton TA1 4DY.

Nina Hirst, Legal Services, County Hall, Taunton TA1 4DY email here.

David Laws MP (covers South Petherton): email here.

And if you feel like it, the odd letter to the Western Gazette, County Gazette etc would not come amiss. And the NFU the Country Land and Business Assoctaion (formerly the CLA) etc. The farming press would no doubt be interested as well.

If you are a member of the Ramblers Association ask Janet Davis (Senior Policy Officer, email here) why they gave £5,500 and Kate Ashbrook (General Secretary, Open Spaces Society, email here) why they donated £10,000. Both sums paid to Mr Peter Kidner. Their replies could be interesting.