THE outrage felt by Erith residents at the contempt shown to them by our new council in dumping the fish thing on their major roundabout has much sympathy in Barnehurst.

We have our own monument to council disregard for residents here. I refer to our library.

We had a meeting when the closure was announced. It was a fine day. A couple of alleged Conservative councillors turned up and David Evennett MP had his photograph taken.

There was much discussion and a general agreement things would be better after the forthcoming local elections when the Labour council was sure to be replaced.

Promises were made, hands shaken, David Evenett found someone still prepared to take his photograph and then we all went home.

The "for sale by auction" board went up last week. The library stands empty as a politician's promise.

No doubt there will soon be flats for the few where once there was learning and leisure for the many.

Will the old parties ever really listen to the people whose vote they court just before elections?

BARRIE THOMAS

UK Independence Party

Barnehurst Ward