I can understand why Mr Yogan Yoganathan, in his letter of last week, was somewhat upset about your article on an additional crossing in Victoria Road. After all, for it to come to light that his Lib Dem colleagues persuaded people to sign a petition for an idea already proposed by myself must have been quite infuriating.

However, while Mr Yoganathan amusingly accuses me of inaction during the past three years, he conveniently ignores why some of us are now Independent Councillors.

It is Yogan, precisely because Conservative councillors chose to put internal politics above the interests of the community that I and my colleagues took a stand against them. Something I am sure you and your friends would reluctantly applaud.

Isnt it typical though how Mr Yoganathan, who stood for election in 1998, comes out of the woodwork six months before the next one. No doubt he will be joined by many more praising their apparent hard work on behalf of local residents, and misrepresenting the actions of others for their own benefit.

It is a cynical manipulation of the electorate and only emphasises why this borough would be better off being independent of politicians and the parties they represent.

Coun DENNIS DE LORD

Leader Independent Group of Councillors