I am writing in relation to councillor Tim Young’s motion to pay to conduct a survey to ask residents if they want to change the name of Harbour ward (Gazette, March 23).

Has he nothing better to do?

Why on earth do we need to spend money to rename an electoral ward?

The name Harbour (Ward) is only used to describe a political boundary within the borough of Colchester.

Compare it with Shrub End Ward boundary for example – it encloses Shrub End, but it also includes Colonia Park and Churchill Gate. If you ask people where they live, they will reply with the geographical area they live, not the political ward in which they reside.

Historically Harbour ward included the harbour of Colchester, hence the name, Castle ward, the Castle.

Prettygate includes the Pretty Gate public house (historically the farm).

Ward boundaries have over the years been moved and stretched and areas have found themselves in a different ward.

Then there are the parish boundaries where the church marks the centre of the community. These also overlap the political boundaries. Do these need to be renamed?

How far does Tim Young want to go?

Some of the residents he represents in St Andrews live in Greenstead – is this to be renamed?

Sorry Mr Young, but this is not needed. We don’t have the money to throw around on such pointless ventures.

Surely you can find a better use of £1,200.

Kevin Starling
Eldred Avenue
Colchester