May I take this opportunity to respond to Sir Bob Russell’s letter and explain what Cause lobbies for.

We oppose West Tey vigorously but we certainly do not promote sprawl anywhere.

We met Sir Bob when he was still an MP and explained Cause accepts the need for housing but it needs to be affordable to local people.

Housing needs to be supported by public transport infrastructure and should be located close to jobs and services to reduce commuting and encourage walking and cycling.

The brownfield land register needs to be kept up-to-date, which it is not.

Compact and, when appropriate, high density development reduces sprawl.

We have always made it clear we believe development based at the university and Knowledge Gateway, done properly, has some merits, although with the proviso all the local demands such as the need for a nature reserve/buffer at Salary Brook and sufficient schools and other infrastructure issues are dealt with up-front.

This is where the jobs growth is forecast to be. It is also where our under-used infrastructure is.

Cause research shows greater use of the Colchester-Clacton railway line could provide an effective way of reducing traffic on Colchester’s roads.

A new station at the university would be the icing on the cake.

We are as concerned as Sir Bob by Colchester’s never-ending sprawl, unsupported by infrastructure and jobs.

We would love Sir Bob to lobby with us to reduce Colchester’s housing target, which is higher than required by Government, and for a transport strategy and Local Plan which is good for everyone.

Rosie Pearson Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex Pattiswick

  • Infrastructure-first approach pursued

It was disappointing to read the latest press release from Cause which claims the infrastructure cost of the proposed garden community on the Colchester/Braintree border should be double that set out.

There appears to be no rationale behind these claims.

The councils working on the garden community project are using industry leading experts to look at what infrastructure would be required, and while this work is ongoing, the initial modelling they provided, based around creating 17,000 homes, sets out plans and costs for 11 new primary school, two new secondary schools, as well as health and community facilities and green spaces.

Of course, the numbers may change, but that is why we use detailed modelling to assess the costs and viability.

Importantly, and I would stress, each of the councils involved in the garden communities, which includes Essex County Council which is responsible for much of the infrastructure, have committed to an infrastructure-first approach.

None of us want to see, or will accept, the creation of housing alone.

We want to see thriving communities with the jobs, facilities and services to ensure they are self-sustaining, as per the principles of garden communities that we have committed to.

Paul Smith Leader, Colchester Council

  • Gates are wanted by our residents

I DON’T normally respond to letters but feel I must in the subject of village gates from Tuesday’s letters page.

New gates are to be installed near Spring Lane roundabout leading to Bakers Lane just like the writer describes as being unnecessary and a sign that councils are spending their budget before year end.

I can only say the new gates have taken two years to design and implement including meetings with residents and incorporating design features such as a local mill wheel that give a historic link to the area.

Planters designed and planted by residents at no cost to any council will also enhance the entrance to the lane.

The importance of the gates though is vital in slowing vehicles down as they enter the lane and giving the impression of a village entrance rather than a country lane with speeding vehicles and the dangers associated with that.

I’m very proud of the contribution residents have made and even though it has taken two years, it will enhance the area and slow traffic.

Sue Lissimore Borough Councillor for Prettygate ward and county Councillor for Drury division

  • Superb experience at general hospital

I WAS in Colchester General Hospital’s elective care centre for three days recently and would like to thank all the theatre staff and those in the recovery ward.

I found all to be very caring, with a great team spirit. Last of all, those staff working on Mersea ward. To all, a great big thank you.

Richard Studd Clacton

  • Stop pandering to the whims of the wealthy

Today I took my children to see the newly installed statues in the high street, to be completely honest I’m not impressed.

But hey ho, if Fenwick wishes to spend money trying to brighten up the high street who am I to whine.

However having come home to Monday’s Gazette I read I and my fellow citizens have part-funded these statues, incorrectly labelled as art.

To compound the issue and more disturbingly en route to view said statues I counted six unfortunates lying or sitting in the street “begging”.

My question is if Essex County Council wish to and I quote “improve all aspects of quality of life for its residents” perhaps we should stop pandering to the whims of the wealthy and look after those really in need.

We are, after all, not in the Victorian era.

Jason Berry Roach Vale, Colchester

  • I would like to see Douglas's own manifesto

I WRITE with reference to the behaviour of our current MP, Mr Douglas Carswell.

Even before Mr Carswell defected from the Conservative party, he made clear his readiness, if so inclined, to defy party policy.

Now, because he has achieved the sole objective for which he had joined, he has resigned from Ukip and its other policies.

However, one supposes that he would be loyal to the principles, whatever they are. He therefore should publish a manifesto and call a by-election.

Having been elected on each occasion as a party representative, Mr Carswell should not assume that he now has a personal majority giving him the benefits of a parliamentary seat.

Nor should he leave the constituency in limbo, uncertain of how he may vote – or jump – next. Mr Carswell appears not to understand there is a very fine line between true independence and self-indulgence.

The electorate may admire the former, but sometimes will wise up to the the latter.

Elizabeth Rex Second Avenue, Frinton

  • Our area needs a deep clean

While it is very encouraging to read the report on the £360,000 plan to increase tourism to our seaside towns, I feel it will be an uphill struggle unless the whole area is “cleaned up”.

No one can fail to see the piles of rubbish on the verges of the A133 and A120, both roads into Clacton, and the rubbish on the streets of our town. Cigarette ends in the pavements, larger cans and takeaway wrappings tossed onto the streets, and we still have to address the problems of groups of drinkers in the shelters on the front and in town during the day.

Can a use also be found for the Martello Tower near the Coastguard station?

At the moment it is such a sad neglected sight. Perhaps a long-awaited museum?

I wish the parties involved every success with their project, but the outlook is not very encouraging at the moment.

Trudie Fernley Clacton