I read with interest the letter by Mr Ryland’s on January 4 and the subsequent letter by Mr Cutmore on January 11.

Mr Ryland asks when is Witham’s turn coming? Arguably it’s already here.

While our will to support and develop each town is equal, the three towns themselves are each unique, with different challenges, constraints and opportunities.

Where there are opportunities we follow them, just as we did with the new leisure centre in Witham (£9.1 million), our offer of £3 million towards healthcare provision in Witham, our investment in Easton Road car park (£800,000) and the environment around Spa Road shopping facility (£300,000).

We have also contributed £60,000 to the Witham industrial estates’ business improvement district and are committed to investing in a Witham business quarter, working to strengthen Witham as a place to do business for start-ups, and attract new businesses to the area.

The transport links, both road and rail, in Witham, make it a fantastic location for businesses.

We are not concerned with personal legacy.

We want what is right and beneficial for our taxpayers and we will continue to support Braintree, Halstead and Witham towns equally.

By Cllr Tom Cunningham, cabinet member for economic development at Braintree Council.