For some time I have been concerned about the safety of people using the pool on Concord Beach, Canvey.

To this end I exercised my democratic right to put a question to Castle Point Council.

I followed the correct procedure, but at the council meeting I was denied my right to personally put the question.

Instead, it was put by the mayor, who preceded it with the following statement: “May I remind everyone that there will be no discussion or debate on the question or answer. There are no supplementary questions allowed.”

This meant neither I nor, more importantly, our elected representatives could debate the issue or ask further questions for clarification.

The council agenda was not a long one and the meeting finished quite early, so time was not an issue.

I am prohibited from asking further questions about the issue in the future.

I fail to see how this suppression of open debate brings any benefit to the residents of Castle Point, especially when the question concerned matters of public safety.

The cabinet system was supposed to bring greater transparency to the activities of the council, but this is more reminiscent of the politics of China or Burma.

Colin Letchford
Maurice Road
Canvey

...There are rules, darn rules and then there are councillors and mayors.

These individuals say they are working for the people in the community, but do not champion freedom of speech.

Rather they hide behind outdated and antiquated “rules” created by them to hide behind.

It is clear Colin Letchford wanted to speak and the fact that the mayor shouted him down is utterly indefensible.

Even if you are allowed to ask your question, you are not then allowed any follow up questions to the answers given!

Local councillors need to take a long and hard look at the process in Westminster and afford the public the same degree of freedom of speech at local council meetings.

Keith Barber
Clinton Road
Canvey