I feel that I must respond to the letter from David Martin (Times, April 29).
He makes reference to Witham Town Council being included in the blanket statement that all local councils are run by the Conservative Party and while it is true that the town council, which currently has 14 councillors with two outstanding vacancies, does have a majority representation from the Conservative group, the political leanings of the remaining members are indeed acknowledged.
In fact, I would assure Mr Martin that Witham Town Council operates, effectively, on an apolitical basis as all of its members, irrespective of any political bias, share a common bond and belief that the interests of the town and its residents must remain paramount.
Far more to the point, however, he writes that “local residents are upset that their councillors appear to be unwilling to do anything to put a stop to what they see as unwelcome developments”.
I find this remark somewhat intriguing, if not bemusing.
Has Mr Martin conveniently forgotten the immense time and effort undertaken by
Witham Town Council, in total support of residents and other concerned parties, in fighting tooth and nail over some years to review, and subsequently attempt to overturn, the decision made by the planning authority to allow the proposed housing development at Gimsons to proceed?
As he will hopefully recall, this fight continued until the final hurdle when the High Court recently refused permission for a judicial review which had been sought by the town council in order to appeal the decision.
Therefore, surely this must beg the question as to whether that really is an example of a council with a majority Conservative representation favouring developers over residents as Mr Martin would appear to believe?
Councillor John Goodman
Witham Town Council
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