He did not seem unduly concerned that the figures in his 2005 business plan were light-years from the truth. Having assured us all, based upon that business plan, that the stadium would not be a burden to the taxpayers, he does not seem unduly concerned that we are now left to wonder why we were told this.

He does however, seem very concerned about tracing those people who gave any assistance to the Yorkshire Post and Doncaster Free Press. He has already decided to spend council-taxpayers money investigating whether he can take legal action against them and may yet spend more of our money in attempting to do so. Even if the culprit(s) could be identified, would it be a sensible use of public money to pursue and punish them? If this matter were passed to the CPS they would decide against further action purely on financial grounds. If that proves to be the case, the irony of the situation will not be lost on Doncaster "Council Watchers".

When the Mayor delivers his pet projects the ratepayers are never given any financial details.

Eight cabinet councillors get to see them, followed by those councillors on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Mayor Winter recently referred to the O&S committee as stupid).

The public can attend these meetings but are always asked to leave whilst financial details are discussed. Even if your local ward Councillor is on either Cabinet or Overview and Scrutiny it is no use asking them to give you any information – they are not allowed to.

To ask, who was responsible for leaked information, is to ask the wrong question. We should all be asking why Martin Winter wanted to keep these financial matters secret. The Keepmoat Stadium was built with public money – our money. The ratepayers in Doncaster are, effectively, the landlords of the stadium. We have every right to know about all aspects of the finances.

Coun Stephen Coddington
DMBC Councillor for Wheatley Ward