Changing view

Mike Northeast makes several points in the article, but in January, 2009, was quoted in the Gazette as being opposed to “urban extensions” such as Courtwick and North Littlehampton.

He stated then: “Urban extension would become urban sprawl,” adding, “We have had thousands of houses built over the last 30 years and all we have ended up with was three corner shops, gridlock on our roads and a community park that 50 per cent of the town cannot access on public transport”.

Just months later he was voting with the Lib-Dems to sell town council land to help make way for the North Littlehampton development.

With reference to David Biss’ letter (same edition), he raised the issue concerning the scrutiny process at Arun District Council, stating, “The Lib-Dems have refused to co-operate, not because we disagree with scrutiny, but because at Arun it is not effective.”

His party withdrew within just weeks of the new arrangements being implemented; they didn’t give it a chance to cast a fair opinion.

What he omitted to say in his letter he is a member of the Safer Arun Working Party, as is another Lib-Dem.

He also complained about the Lib-Dems not being allowed to chair meetings.

He doesn’t seem to realise as the Lib-Dems are not in control of Arun and there is no automatic appointment to the chair and vice chair positions.

However, three Lib-Dem chair vacancies are waiting to be filled, one vice-chair of the overview scrutiny committee and two on the working parties.

Over the years I have been a councillor, the Conservatives have given chair and vice-chair positions, which they did not have to, to the Lib-Dems.

Alan Gammon, Conservative member for Brookfield ward,

Channel Keep

St Augustine Road

Littlehampton