'We do not need yet more bureaucracy'

2:08pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

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RE: The discussions on the merits of establishing a town council for High Wycombe.

I READ with interest the letter from the Labour and Liberal councillors about the merits of a new town council for High Wycombe and would like to make a few points in response:

* Elected town ward members are able to comment formally on any planning application they feel is not within keeping of the locality - a town council would not change this. And let's not forget it's the Labour Government that has set the targets for the numbers of homes to be built in the district;

* The existing Town Committee can also direct Wycombe District Council to fund open spaces and park refurbishments - oh yes that is what we are currently doing!

* Car parks are managed by WDC and/or NCP/Eurocar parks - residents' parking is managed via WDC and any issues can be raised through elected members on the Town Committee. SPA review will bring parking management more local - but as I recall, that's not what Labour really want!

* Just look at the records of how much the Town Committee recommends for communities. It was the Town Committee that allocated up to £49,000 to Totteridge Social Club

* Allotments are already managed effectively by WDC - why is it necessary to bring in more bureaucracy to manage it exactly the same way?

* If Labour or Liberal councillors took any real interest in Wycombe Town they would know just how much is ploughed into local community groups (of all ages) but they would rather make sure they get their photo in the local press

* The Town Committee together with WDC runs the cemeteries effectively. How would a further layer of councillors, officers and site workers make it any different (other than by increasing the council tax)?

This administration is committed to reducing bureaucracy and taxation whenever and wherever possible.

This town does not need another layer of bureaucracy or any more taxation which will be needed to fund that layer of bureaucracy - just look at the tax increases (double figures) that happened in Aylesbury to fund the town council.

Conservatives are committed to keeping local involvement and maintaining community engagement where possible.

Labour and Liberals simply want more taxation which is likely to go to central government (just like the bulk of the money from rents on WDC housing stock). The people of the town speak up when they elect local members and it's those local members that achieved the success that is Eden.

Julie Pritchard,(Conservative district councillor), High Wycombe