I was interested to read the letter from Dr Handley, of Southend, who defended councillor Mo Larkin’s handling of the recent Basildon Council meeting.

I can tell Dr Handley that Phil Rackley is well aware of the rules and constitution regarding the conduct of council business.

Indeed, Mr Rackley did tell the supporters of the Northlands Park and Pounders campaigns that residents could be allowed to speak, but only if the chairman allowed them do so. This is at the discretion of the chairman of the council.

If the meeting had been allowed to proceed, the leader of the Labour group, Lynda Gordon, would have asked the chairman to invite some members of the public to speak, in view of the strong feelings of the residents opposing the sale of their playing fields.

Councillor Allan Davies
Landermere
Basildon