I ATTENDED the meeting at the Forum on Wednesday, April 4, to hear the views of the Malvern Town Action Group, regarding the present town council and whether a poll should be organised calling for its resignation?

I went to the meeting with an open mind. Indeed I was glad that as well as MTAG members, town councillors were also present so at least it could not be a one sided affair.

The meeting was chaired by the mayor of Malvern and got off to a lively start when he introduced a solicitor (from Sunderland) who would advise the council on legal aspects. There was rather a sinister warning from the mayor that comments from the floor, if deemed libellous, could result in action being taken. The mayor was asked how much the solicitor was costing us ratepayers? The Mayor replied that he didn't know because the solicitor's work was not finished. But surely, at least, an estimate of costs should have been obtained before engaging any persons.

What alarmed me most during the meeting was the attitude of some of the councillors. I felt their speeches were very aggressive and there was an air of arrogance about some of them, but also an element of farce. If council meetings are run along these lines, no wonder spending is spiralling.The MTAG members spoke calmly, clearly and in a manner I could understand.

We were then asked to vote on the motion. I had a decision to make. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the motion. I know which way I voted and I know which way I shall vote on May 1 and I urge all the other ratepayers of Malvern to vote and irrespective who sits on the council, let's get spending back under control.

E R JENKINS, Pickersleigh Road, Malvern.