IN response to Councillor A Greenfield's letter (Sickened at betrayal of voters, Shuttle/Times and News, November 20), as the so-called "defectors", we must defend ourselves and our very dear colleagues, stating categorically that we have the highest moral ethics and do not question our self-esteem.

We hold our heads up high, and fully respect the voters of Wyre Forest.

To call any by-elections at this stage in the council cycle would be costly, total folly and a waste of Council Taxpayers' money.

As councillors we will still work for all who voted for us in our wards, unlike some councillors who act as paper weights, doing little or nothing for their constituents, and failing even to attend meetings.

Yes, we have chosen, after great deliberations, to change parties, and feel this is the best way to serve the community in the future. Did the three previous defectors who only served for a short period in Health Concern consider the consequences of their acts and search their consciences as we have?

We shall stand at the next local elections with our heads held high, hoping we can be re-elected as Conservative councillors to follow our cause for the people of Wyre Forest.

We all still have great respect for our MP Dr Richard Taylor, and will always work towards the revival of accident and emergency services being restored in Kidderminster.

We can assure voters that our decisions have not been made lightly, and a lot of soul-searching and wrestling with consciences has taken place.

When the Conservative group are democratically elected to run the council at the next election we shall all be proud and happy to serve the public under that banner.

We can assure everyone who entrusted us with a vote that they can depend on us all supporting and working on their behalf for the good of our community.

COUNCILLOR MAUREEN ASTON

COUNCILLOR JUNE SALTER

COUNCILLOR TONY HINTON

Conservative Group,

Wyre Forest District Council