I AM now in my eighty fifth year and have never felt

compelled to write to a newspaper before.

Having spent four years fighting to prevent Nazis and

other fascists from overtaking the free world and

destroying democracy, I hate to see the attempts by some

elements to prevent that inherent right to free speech

being eroded.

Even governments in these islands have been guilty of

attempts to undermine the right of individuals and

organisations to speak freely on any issue, as long as it is

not blatantly offensive or incitement to illegality.

When I read in The Chronicle that Mr Haydn Gear, who

enjoys his freedom to write to the Chronicle on many

subjects, wrote that certain individuals or groups must be

stopped from any attempts at interference in their long

running campaign to prevent the redevelopment, I was

alarmed and incensed.

What right has this person to deny the democratic right of

any individual or group to voice their opinions on a matter

that they appear passionate about?

Freedom of expression, whether you agree or disagree

with any proposed change, is absolutely vital and persons

or organisations that suggest otherwise can only be

viewed as dictatorial, tyrannical or at best domineering.