I FEEL that many electors living in the borough of Colchester will agree with Sir Bob Russell and Alan Short when they cite the lack of transparency and democratic accountability in respect of matters undertaken by Colchester Council. (Letters, December 12).

I was surprised when I saw a letter in the December 3 issue of the paper signed by Adrian Pritchard, managing director of Colchester Commercial (Holdings) Ltd.

It seems the chief executive of Colchester Council has morphed into being a managing director of a plc.

Upon further investigation at Companies House I see in addition to Mr Pritchard the company comprises a number of directors who are our elected councillors.

The implication here is the councillors are subservient to a civil servant whereas the opposite should be the case.

The company referred to by Sir Bob, Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd has three directors listed all civil servants employed by Colchester Council.

Couple this information with the fact that, apart from the eight cabinet members, councillors are not asked to make decisions any more, we have a real breakdown of democracy in the borough.

There are two major local issues causing residents great concern at the moment, the garden towns and the cultural quarter regeneration.

Neither of these have been put to the full council for discussion and a vote.

This needs to change and it is up to our elected representatives to make sure that this happens.

Norman Bailey

Cambridge Road, Colchester