Courtlands

Rockfield Road

Oxted

Surrey RH8 0EJ

22^nd June 2008

The Editor

Surrey Mirror

Dear Sir,

The members of Felbridge Parish Council are on completely the wrong track when they complain that their local councillor is no longer able to represent Felbridge's interests on Tandridge's development control committee (letter 19 June). They are on the wrong track because a councillor is not on the development control committee to represent the interests of the residents of his or her ward but is there to represent all the residents in Tandridge.

The reason is obvious. Nobody is suggesting having a councillor from every ward on the development control committee. This was tried some years ago, did not work and was abandoned. So, if you follow the Felbridge line, some parishes will have the advantage of being represented on the development control committee while other parishes will be disadvantaged by not being represented. This is clearly unacceptable.

The members of Felbridge Parish Council are also incorrect in suggesting that the change in committee numbers is due to some whim on my part. The new committee numbers were the result of a democratic decision by the council following the recommendation by the Conservative group.

However, I am pleased that Felbridge recognises that our committees have been streamlined. This streamlining is part of the programme of constantly seeking to improve the council that I mentioned in my recent statement to the council.

The members of Felbridge Parish Council say they have complained to David Cameron. I shall ensure that David gets a copy of this letter so that he has a more complete picture.

Yours faithfully,

Gordon C. Keymer

Leader of the Council