DEAR EDITOR - The story on the controversy over the proposed Sanders Park bandstand in Bromsgrove stated "a source close to the council confided that the majority of members not on the executive committee, privately are against the proposal but will not speak out".

Dear, oh dear!

Assuming that your "source" is correct, this heralds the breakdown of local democratic government. Why are they reticent or afraid to speak out? What do they think we elected them for? Or do they feel they are being muzzled and if so, why and by who?

May I suggest that the Advertiser/Messenger urgently investigates the reasons for reluctance by councillors to speak their views.

Your paper could do no more important task, as the eyes and ears of the electorate.

In any case, the question of the form and location for the local celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee should be decided by the full council on a free vote, not left to the "executive committee" i.e. the cabinet, of the leader and five members.

Better to have a widely popular decision late, than rush through an expensive mistake because the council left it too late.

Graham Reddie,

President,

The Bromsgrove Society,

East Road,

Bromsgrove.