AS an experienced borough councillor, David Weeks will know that the grants awarded to the project are from funds which have been allocated by the borough and county councils specifically for community development project purposes. If Exbourne had not been awarded these grants, then other villages in Devon would have been given the money.

David is therefore suggesting, then, that this money is being wasted on Exbourne. In addition, the greater part of the funding package for the project is being sought from a National Lottery grant. This is clearly not taxpayers' money, as David would have realised, if he had read the Business Plan.

David and I have talked these issues through many times before. The EJCAL Management Committee has been, and continues to be, more than happy to listen to any concerns that residents may have over the project, and indeed, following my meeting with David in 2003 to discuss these very issues, we took these concerns into account when preparing the current Business Plan.

So, come on, David, it's time you stopped sniping at this worthwhile and sustainable community-led project.

Claire Kelly

Willow Cottage

Exbourn