Once again we are faced with claims of travellers that at a planning inquiry, Basildon Council officers secretly discussed issues concerning Dale Farm and the proposed new site at Church Road, Laindon.

When will the general public be brought in to the discussions which also affect them?

Presumably the claim by the travellers of discussions with Dawn French, council head of planning, will be thoroughly documented and available for public scrutiny. It seems apparent the council’s planning group conducts many closed meetings and, considering the importance of the issues, keeps no records!

How will council leader Tony Ball substantiate his assurance? Either there is no substance to the allegations or the officers are not accountable for offering alleged deals which are not in their remit or agreed on by the council as a whole.

I have pointed out in the past that proper meetings, secret or otherwise, should be minuted.

Why do we just have to accept the word of any council officer because we are informed they are correct?

Past events have demonstrated the council lays itself open to allegations and that decisions taken at these secret meetings have led to damage and litigation.

It is the taxpayers who are having to suffer loss of their amenities and playing areas to cover bad decisions.

What is the council going to do about reviewing its actions and the activities of the officers?

Once again who is running the council?

I fully support our local Laindon Park councillor John Dornan and I hope he can report back with some truthful and meaningful explanation of what has transpired.

The whole traveller issue is becoming extremely irksome and costly for the residents and it is about time matters are resolved.

Max Aitkins
Roosevelt Road
Laindon