I WAS very sad to read the article concerning Councillor Louise Edginton.

The news last week that the Tory party had dropped her, causing her to leave the party, after almost 30 years service, moves me to write of some recent contact I have had with the district council planning committee.

I and 55 of my neighbours recently lost a battle to prevent house building on back lots along Queensway.

In the run-up to the committee meeting, I wrote to 20 committee members asking for help. Only two members bothered to respond - Councillor Marcus Hart acknowledged receipt of my letter, then nothing further.

Councillor Edginton was one of only a handful of members who attended a site visit. Our objection failed and during the meeting several members admitted receiving mail on the matter but claimed to have come to the meeting "open-minded." One councillor bragged that he had received mail but had read none of it so was "open-minded."

I have never met Louise Edginton, and have never voted Tory in my life, but I think the way this lady has been treated is dreadful.

Can I thank her for her service to the community and wish her success as an independent. We need more councillors who are loyal to ratepayers rather than party.

ANDREW HADLEY

Belvedere Crescent, Bewdley