On Wednesday evening last week, while working at my desk at the Commons, I received a phone call from someone who runs a shop in Crouch Street who had just returned from Colchester Town Hall, where he had attended a meeting of the borough council’s cabinet.

He reported to me his dismay and disgust at the verbal assault launched by councillor Tim Young, leader of the Labour group, against the member of the public who had attended to speak on behalf of the Crouch Street business community against proposals to change the parking arrangements, which they fear would threaten the viability of their businesses.

The fact the business community’s representative, Roger Buston, is a former Conservative councillor is a total irrelevance. He was not there in a political capacity.

While it is clearly of interest to find out proposals to change the parking arrangements had previously been approved by the then Tory-controlled council, it is significant they were not implemented.

The debate is currently about what is now proposed.

For Mr Young to justify his position on the grounds that the Conservatives first proposed them is a pretty weak defence.

The council should be concentrating on improving the situation for independent traders throughout the town.

What happens in Crouch Street will show how serious it is in preventing Colchester becoming another of Britain’s “clone towns” where they all look the same.

Crouch Street is special; let’s ensure it does not suffer further following the chopping down of the trees.

Bob Russell
MP for Colchester
Wimpole Road
Colchester