First of all, I thank the writer for your letter which appears have supplied differing facts to those received by the Independent Group.

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We will have these checked out as soon as possible through the correct
channels!

The Independent Group is seeking that all posts in the Scrutiny Department are made Politically Restricted Posts to stop them being given to any person who is heavily involved in any Political Party – this is to provide open and transparent Local Government, which the public deserve and we believe all members of the public would support this.

Would you still have the same opinion if the person concerned was not your partner and was heavily involved in politics as an Independent, Liberal Democrat or a Conservative?

The opinion of the members of the Independent Group would be the same regardless of the person's political belief!

May I add, that no Independent councillor has pursued any course against any defenceless man. The Independent Group simply made a statement as to why they had withdrawn their services from the Scrutiny Roles in Blyth Valley.

If you are suggesting that we should have done this and not informed our electorate, then we strongly disagree!

Furthermore, your comment that I was quick to "rush to judgement" is further evidence of your unfair judgement of the case, as the very first letter of complaint over this issue was August 24, 2007, so the Independent Group believe we have been very patient indeed – do you not agree?

The suggestion of being without a job, paying back wages and matters being discussed in the council chamber are matters the council debated earlier this year when the employment was agreed as being ultra vires, was indeed reported to full council and involved the District Auditor.

I believe that was indeed correct as any responsible council should
deal with matters and not sweep them under the mat.

COUNCILLOR COLIN BROWN
On behalf of Independent Group
of Blyth Valley Council.

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