DEAR EDITOR -- I am appalled by the latest actions of our council leader, Dennis Norton.

The suspension of Councillors Doyle, Psirides and Lammie, for doing nothing more than standing up on behalf of the residents of the area, is an atrocity that cannot be allowed to continue.

The whole spirit - and law - of democracy has been undermined by the actions of a man who, when he votes in council openly declares which way he is going to vote in advance, and then openly says: "... and I advise my party to do likewise."

How can the councillors of this district seriously represent us, when they are under obvious threat of suspension if they dare suggest something that Norton disagrees with?

How long can this flagrant disregard of democracy continue?

And for how long has it been going on?

What other decisions have been made against the will of the council and the people - just because Norton has made them tow the party line?

Come on councillors, you are here to represent us, the people, how can you do that if you have no real say in anything? Stop living under this dictatorship. Speak up for yourselves - and us! Surely it's time to vote 'no confidence' in the leadership.

Martyn West

Hanbury Road

Bromsgrove