Mann on Friday: Praise for the council mole who protected our democratic rights

AT least Wycombe's politicians can comfort themselves with the fact they're in the same boat as Tony Blair as the leaks come thick and fast.

Blair has been victim of a mole who has given embarrassing memos to the press about his Government.

Meanwhile in Wycombe, councillors were furious that this paper published leaked details of the £25 million limit they have to spend on the Western Sector scheme. I'm told they voiced their anger at a meeting on Monday. They claim that publicising this figure could damage negotiations with Tesco.

Absolute typical arrogance and humbug. I've rarely been angrier about anything than this patronising attitude towards how they spend OUR money.

For blood-pressure increases, it's about equal to the time Mrs Mann accidentally dyed my favourite woolly jersey pink in the washing machine.

Yes, councillors, I'm sorry to remind you but it is OUR money.

You have been lauding this Western Sector scheme to the heavens. You've been telling us how you're going to improve Wycombe and that everything is going to be wonderful when Tesco is bulldozed against its will.

What you've never told us is that it could cost £25,000,000 of OUR cash.

That's a lot of noughts, especially if you live in Marlow or Risborough and don't really care about Wycombe.

So when were they going to tell us? After negotiations are concluded, they say. In other words, when it could be too late to change anything.

The public's right to know in a democracy far outweighs any other consideration. The publication of a financial figure should still not put the council at a disadvantage. They have a duty to pay Tesco the correct compensation, and not a penny more or a penny less.

Veteran readers will remember how long it took to get the exact cost of building the Wycombe Swan made public. Costs escalated from an £8m estimate to £17m.

The BFP had to campaign tirelessly before the price was finally revealed - two years after the theatre was built.

The public does not deserve this sort of treatment. Mr (or Mrs) Mole has done taxpayers a huge favour and should be given freedom of the district.