IT'S time more people became interested in what's is happening where they live (Ken Wellstood, Letters, January 4).

Might I suggest, Mr Wellstood, that planning is no longer controlled by local councillors.

All planning decision about building and siting of new homes is now decided by Ruth Kelly's regional government and controlled by bureaucrats and unelected qangos. They are now the masters, we are the downtrodden peasants thanks to Tony Blair who told us, he was, "purer than pure" and many of his supporters including me, believed him.

SAM SNOOK, Eastligh.