Castle Point councillor Bill Sharp declares "I won't be gagged" (Jan 12) and says he has a duty to his electorate.

Back in the early 90s at a council meeting, during the days of the de Savary application for 4,350 houses in the green belt, this councillor was voicing his opinion in favour of the application, which 31 of his council voted for.

When I reminded him of the 10,000 signatures on our petition against the proposal, his reply was: "I don't care what your petition or signatures say."

He is now quoted as saying: "I am elected by the people I represent, it is only right and proper to voice my opinion."

Tony Burnell
Taranto Road
Canvey