Kept in the dark (From Malvern Gazette)

Kept in the dark

11:22am Friday 6th July 2007 in Letters

I write in reference to the article published in last week's Ledbury Reporter "Chairman accused of obstructing search for allotments".

I do not know the accused, Mr Michael Baker, but I too am concerned by the lack of information coming from Ledbury Town Council. It seems that our democratically elected officials have decided on a policy of secrecy regarding its search for allotments in Ledbury.

My concerns were raised on this issue when I read in your publication that Coun Tony Bradford had decided to propose to the council an alternative allotment location, with car parking and access, from Hazle Close. Coun Bradford chose to make public his proposals without contacting the local resident in this area, despite being able to push leaflets through each resident's door during his ill-fated attempt to be elected to the county council. I have since attempted on five occasions to contact Coun Bradford for an update on this situation but my elected official has decided to not respond in person. I can thus understand Mr Baker's frustration.

How different Herefordshire Council are on this matter. I must commend Mr Antony Featherstone, the parks and countryside manager, who has responded immediately to every email and has regularly been prepared to update me on the piece of land in question. Persimmon, the current owners, have not been so open.

As for Mr Baker, and I quote town council planning committee chairman Noel Roberts, "Slagging people off and getting our backs up". Imagine how the people effected by the council's plotting behind closed doors feel with its lack of openness.

M Williams, Hazle Close, Ledbury