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THE resignation of Gordon Campbell from the Wharfedale Trail Forum highlights the unenviable position of Addingham Parish Council during the whole saga of the Sustrans project. The debate over the issue has struggled to rise from the low point it achieved early on when nasty, dishonest and cowardly comments were scattered all over the Wharfedale newspapers' website which was set up in good faith for people to air their views honestly and legitimately.

Both supporters and opponents have been accused of using underhand tactics and a deliberate attempt to sabotage the consultation process has been claimed. During this time, Addingham Parish Council has tried to sit like piggy-in-the middle, resulting in the attraction of flak from both sides. However, as the Wharfedale Trail Forum is constituted by three members of the parish council - two of which are openly backers of the project - one district councillor and an Addingham Civic Society representative, it is no surprise that Councillor Campbell has struggled to maintain the parish council's independence.

For many, his attempt to step back might seem to have come a bit late. Perhaps it might have been better if the Wharfedale Trail Forum had been completely independent from the parish council once the consultation process had begun. It hasn't met since then so Coun Campbell has suffered from guilt by association.

The parish council must be seen to represent the whole of the village, not one side of a very contentious issue. However, the resignation of Coun Campbell will not remove some of the problems facing Addingham. Once the consultation process is over, then new rows over parish council involvement will erupt.

Despite all the silly accusations, juvenile posturing and downright daft conspiracy theories, the issue is still dependent on the attitude of the landowners. If Sustrans officials cannot persuade the Duke of Devonshire and others of the wisdom of creating the pathway, then it will not get built.

9:47am Thursday 10th January 2008

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