I am sure many local residents will be surprised and disappointed to read the Conservatives on Malvern Hills District Council will not take part in the council's executive committee meetings.

As you rightly say, the whole idea of this structure, when it was introduced, was to bring a degree of proportionality into the system, regardless of who won the election, thus enabling all parties to work together for the good of Malvern Hills. Surely it would be more responsible to take part in the decision-making process rather than remain on the sidelines.

One can only wonder how local Conservative supporters must feel as their councillors abdicate their political responsibilities. It was after all the Tories who were in power at the time these arrangements were introduced. They supported the system then but somehow now feel unable to participate.

Keith Salkeld, Albert Park Mews, Malvern.