Comments made in the wake of the approval of plans for a children's home at East Morton should ring an alarm bell for all those who believe in the democratic process.

Most fair and right-minded people accept that tough decisions have to be made even if they are not in favour of the outcome. But the issue is at what stage during a consultation process are decisions reached?

Hundreds of people signed a petition objecting to the East Morton plan for a variety of reasons, supported by a local councillor. But last week no protestors attended the meeting of Keighley Area Planning Panel, which approved the scheme.

Why? They believe it was a done deed. One posed the question: "What can you do to voice your opinion to object to something when the decision has already been made? The views of the objectors are obviously tinged with disappointment but should not be dismissed as sour grapes.

Once again this issue raises the question of the validity of consultation -- or rather how receptive and open-minded are those who have proposed the plan to alternative views.

This week Bradford Council's ruling executive group made a decision to issue notices to close ten existing special schools, including Braithwaite and Branshaw, in Keighley. The council proposes to build a new special school for secondary-age children at Greenhead High School. Plus there's an idea to build a primary special school at Guard House school.

The proposed closures of Branshaw and Braithwaite will be advertised and people will have the opportunity to object, with a final decision to be made by the schools sub-committee.

Claims are already being made that there's an overwhelming objection to the Greenhead plan -- with mixed feelings, leaning towards the positive for Guard House.

The council officers and elected members who are leading these proposals need to reassure the public that they mean consultation and not con.