AS the unelected members of the council complained of in the letter by Alistair Macmillan and others (Postbag, May 11) we would like to make our position clear. We do not feel we have acted in any way dishonourably, indeed we are simply trying to carry out the task we accepted in June 2000.

At that time there was a need for nine councillors to fulfil the duties of the town council and, when asked, we took on the job. If we had known how much needed to be done to correct the problems at that time we probably would not have taken the job on. It would have spared us a lot of work and psychological pressure.

To allay confusion, Malvern Town Council is not Malvern Hills District Council.

We have been blamed for the water features, over which we have no control. Likewise, we have been blamed for the cost of maintaining council 'assets' such as bus shelters, cemeteries and playing fields transferred to the town council by the district. We have a duty of care to the public and have to ensure that facilities are safe, and preferably not dilapidated.

We were criticised also for the Christmas lights display, but this arose because the existing lights were classified as unfit for purpose by the MEB and another electrical contractor, and rightly or wrongly, we could not take the risk of injury to the public.

The cost of office space has been the main cause of criticism. We wish to point out that we have not had any part in the decision to purchase Manders as council offices.

However, some members of the so-called Action Group pressed for its purchase initially and then shied away from the consequences of their decision when the full cost implications became known.

To cancel the project now would be a flagrant waste of taxpayers' money already committed, while the need for permanent offices remains a high priority in order to correct existing problems in running the town.

We apologise for opting for a budget that would enable the council to address all these issues during our period of tenure.

It would be interesting to hear what the Malvern Town Action Group's plans are. At no stage has it done anything other than criticise the existing council.

This vociferous group have pledged to get spending down to below the £500,000 Best Value Threshold. If Labour are returned to government the Best Value Threshold is likely to be reduced to £250,000. How will they deal with these issues then?

We would be failing in our duty if we were to resign and perhaps permit this group a majority on the new council.

With the appointment of a new mayor this week let us work together towards the sort of town we all want rather than stir up hatred and division on the basis of past decisions.

COUN FRANCES VICTORY, deputy mayor, Church Street, Malvern.