I HAVE just found out that not one of the ruling Conservative group has attended the National Housing Conference in Harrogate this year as a full delegate.

This conference is an annual event. As chairman for housing last year, I took five days from my annual leave to attend, along with the Director of Community Services, and Head of Housing Services.

In short, three key personal involved in Worcester City Housing Dept attended. I found it a bewildering experience.

Having said that, it all started to make sense after a couple of days. At the end of the week, I would not have missed if for the world. We attended workshops, seminars and even the odd social event.

Being able to talk and network with members of other authorities that are travelling along the very same route that Worcester City is being forced along was extremely useful.

Is this lack of attendance a true reflection of the Conservative concern to the housing problems in Worcester?

The city has in excess of five thousand council homes, with an average occupation of two adults, two children, making a total more than 20,000 people dependant on the council for their homes in Worcester.

Knowing the uncertainty that they all face in these ever-changing times, it beggars belief than not one of the Conservative group members had taken the initiative to attend this very important and crucial conference.

Of course, it did not have to be a Conservative councillor who attended, but to the best of my knowledge, the opportunity was never extended to any councillor outside of the Conservative group.

It appears apparent to me that the ruling Conservative group in Worcester has lost its way.

They are paying lip-service to the tenants and their representatives and have buried their heads in the sand over this housing issue.

COUN G P KIBBLEWHITE, Worcester.