MOST stories that appear on our website attract comments from readers.

Some attract a lot of comments.

And then there are those that bring a flood.

One of those is the saga of the proposed fish restaurant on Babbacombe Downs. Every time a story appears from those opposing the restaurant, an influx of comments comes in backing the plan.

Every time the plan is championed, the opponents come back in their droves.

On Saturday there will be a public meeting to discuss the opposition to the proposal, and it is sure to be well attended.

After the meeting the opposition campaign will be galvanised, and the two sides will be ready for their final showdown.

This is a highly delicate situation, with the future of a much-loved beauty spot at stake.

If the council is to allow the fish restaurant to be built, or if it is to consign the project to the bin, it must do so after a proper debate with all the issues aired and all parties given their chance to speak.

This is one decision which absolutely must not be made on the basis of a nod along party lines, nor indeed on the basis of who can stamp their foot the loudest.

We will only get one chance to decide this one. The decision has to be right.

IMAGES of the late Michael Foot campaigning for the Labour Party hark back to a very different era in politics.

Not for Michael Foot the elaborate televised debate, in which the winners and losers will inevitably be decided by body language and wardrobe experts on daytime TV.

Michael Foot preferred the hustings, the cut and thrust of debate far away from the spin doctors and the TV cameras, where voters could keep their politicians on their toes with well-aimed questions, and politicians could show off their wit and skill.

We are surely just days away now from the calling of a General Election, and in Totnes the hustings have already begun with a frank and lively public meeting involving candidates of various parties.

There will be much more to come, and if our candidates can go some way towards emulating Michael Foot, there are some memorable meetings ahead.