WHILST not an appointed spokesperson for Wythall Ratepayers and Residents Association I feel that I must respond to Malcolm Pugh's letter last week.

I would first clarify that Cllr Geoff Denaro was democratically elected as leader of the WRRA group of Bromsgrove district councillors by members of the associations management group and not the Tories as implied.

Councillor Denaro was elected as leader of the formal opposition group following a properly tabled motion of notice as required by the council's constitution. Following this the members of the Labour group and other Independents walked out of the Council Chamber before the vote on the motion took place.

My recollection of what next took place was that the vote was taken with only elected members of the Wythall Ratepayers and Bromsgrove Independent group taking part with no member of the ruling group voting either way.

I was sitting in the public gallery at the time so my comments are made on a first hand basis.

Cllr Denaro might have a busy work schedule but for someone from Rubery to suggest that he is unable of representing the interests of Wythall ratepayers is somewhat rich. To my certain knowledge he has never declined to pursue issues raised with him by residents and during his term of office, together with his fellow WRRA councillors, have raised the profile of Wythall in the Council Chamber.

In conclusion I attend virtually all full council meetings as an observer and I just wish more residents would attend to see first hand at what goes on. In my view it would be a real eye opener.

Ken Footman

Silver Street

Wythall