AS a member of the working group on the future of Bromsgrove's Museum, I must disagree with my colleague Councillor Nick Psirides (who is not a member of the working group).

He is of course entitled to his opinion regarding the suspension of Councillor Athol Deakin from the Museum Working Group. This decision was supported by all members of the group except, of course, Cllrs McDonald and Deakin.

All councillors have had training and education on the best practice of scrutinising policies and decisions, and central to this is a need to have an open mind, and scrutinise without prejudice. So when the group were examining and giving opinions on the future of the museum, and Cllr Deakin expressed the view that he had no wish to either visit the museum, or consider its future in a positive sense, one has to ask - why is he on the working group then? What positive contribution can he make?

Nick is a colleague on our Independents Group and we are not falling out on this matter. I just need to set the record straight. Councillor Jean Luck, who is also on the working group, and I, both agreed to the action taken. We both firmly believe that the museum has a great future, but we will only reach the right decision based on all members making a positive contribution with mutual respect on any differences.

Dave McGrath

Vice-chair - Health and leisure scrutiny committee, Bromsgrove District Council