Until now, I was willing to remain silent regarding the comments aimed at me from Messrs Harris, Naish and Newell.

Although, having lived most of my life in Berechurch, I have been branded a newcomer. I would define a newcomer as one who lives miles outside the ward and would require sat nav to find their way around the ward.

I was also accused of recently coming out of the woodwork because of the forthcoming election. May I remind councillor Harris a few years back it was my daughter and I who initially started the campaign against the proposal to have an aggregate crushing plant at Middlewick.

I believe that was a classic example of what people power can achieve with more action and less posturing.

I was extremely proud, along with many others that day, to march down the High Street (with my protest banner) to the Town Hall and express my views to the planning committee.

With regard to councillor Harris’s comments towards me as being a Lib Dem opportunist, I regard that as a compliment. A prime example of the tactics used by the Labour opportunists is as follows: Two weeks ago, I was asked by a Friday Wood Green resident if I would raise the issue regarding the noisy off-road, illegal motorcycles using Friday Woods to the annoyance of residents, ramblers and dog walkers and generally disturbing the peace in this area of natural beauty.

That very same day, I presented a letter for the attention of concerned residents.

I that letter, I suggested an action group be set up among residents to further their cause.

My part in this has been to suggest a course of action and to issue phone numbers for officials dealing with antisocial behaviour.

This is an extract from my letter to the man who has taken the initiative and set up an e-mail address for fed up residents: “I’m afraid my involvement can only be of a clerical nature as I don’t want to be portrayed as someone making political gain from residential misery.”

On Wednesday night, what do I discover? A hurried leaflet printed on the back of the three Labour members posing by the flower beds. In their address, they show an awful amount of concern for the poor Friday Wood Green residents, who have to suffer the noise from these motorcycles.

Should any councillor or resident have a genuine issue to raise against these noisy motorcycles, then address your concerns to freefridaywoods@btinternet.

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Colin Mudie
Lib Dem candidate
Berechurch Ward
Mersea Road
Colchester