The councillor is somewhat confused over the Seghill landfill issues, and seeks to address the problems that arose 20 years ago although as he tells us he was confused at that meeting too and didn't vote against it.

It is no use for the public of Holywell to live in the past.

Coun Nixon quite simply had a right to speak at the meeting and he didn't.

He could have made a written submission to the planning committee if he didn't feel able to address them himself – he didn't do this.

Nor did the councillor write to Sita or contact the Government Office.

He could have helped brief the North Tyneside councillors on the effect the site was having on the people in his ward. This he didn't do.

I have not publicly said this but now is the time to clear up a rather disingenuous letter from the councillor by stating that I wrote to the planning committee, government office, Sita and also briefed North Tyneside councillors.

It was I who got the Section 14 Directive served on the county council.

I also canvassed the north east members of Parliament to seek the 'call-in' by Hazel Blears, this they did, and in Holywell we are indebted to the public support from Ronnie Campbell MP, Alan Campbell MP, Nick Brown MP and Stephen Byers MP who made the procedure possible and helped myself and the 'No-to-Landfill' group to the point we are at today.

One of my favourite movies was Being There with Peter Sellers.

It is one thing 'being there' with a placard, or sitting in meetings, but as councillors we are all expected to do something once we are there – we are expected to stand up and shout long and hard.

It's no secret that a letter to the News Post Leader threatening to speak at the planning meeting at the risk of the police being called had a great deal with my being allowed to speak at some length on the issue despite not having 'rights', as Coun Nixon did have, but didn't use.

This might sound triumphant, it shouldn't be – we have a long road ahead of us against the big battalions that will be ranged by Sita but the No-to-Landfill group are a formidable organisation I am proud to work alongside.

I again make the offer to help Coun Nixon with a presentation to the public inspection which we are hoping to arrange locally in the first three months of 2009.

This matter should transcend politics for the good of the people in our area.

COUN BOB WATSON
Blyth Valley Borough Council
Civic Centre
Blyth


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