IF YOU will pardon the expression, there appears to be a right old ding dong of a battle going on in Appledore over the controversial time and tide bell — with little prospect of a resolution to the arguments any time soon.

The village appears divided over the bell, which was given temporary planning permission in February 2009 and is supposed to clang when the high tide hits it.

At the risk of being accused of simplifying the debate, can the

Journal

just ask one thing: until it is established beyond doubt that the bell is actually in the right place to ring when the tide rises would it not be a good idea to hold off on any permanent decision as all the facts do not, at this stage, appear to be at hand?