DEAR EDITOR -- As a former Conservative member of the district council I read, with growing incredulity, of the serious divisions which are being brought about by secrecy and exclusion.

What arrogant and high-handed leadership is responsible for the disintegration of a once cohesive, respected and long-standing political group. What need is there of secrecy and meetings behind closed doors - to the exclusion of three fine, upstanding, respected, honourable community politicians?

No elected representative can abdicate his/her responsibility to the community, much less fly in the face of democracy, which in politics should be held sacrosanct. How sad it is that Conservative councillors have felt forced to assume an independent position in order to stand by their democratic principles, when those same principles should have been at the cornerstone of the goup itself.

All good wishes to Councillors Psirides, Doyle, Lammie, Gill and Bushby. They deserve both respect and support for their actions.

Those currently remaining within the 'controlling' group should be looking closely at their own positions in the light of all that has happened. The electorate have a right to expect the highest level of integrity and openness from those who claim to work in the best interests of Bromsgrove and for the good of the town and district - they also have long memories!

Marguerite Butt

Chairman of Bromsgrove

District Council 1994/5

Badgeworth, Somerset