I read with interest Cllr Donovan’s piece on the future of Christ Church Green.

I agree with, and welcome, his comments. Indeed, we have been calling for the public to be involved in the future of Christ Church Green for some time so it’s very welcome that our Labour councillors should, 11 weeks before their re-election, take this opportunity to meet their voters.

What a shame, however, that our Labour councillors could not have taken the same approach to “empower people and support communities” as the article states - when 199 people objected to the planned kiosk on the same green.

Did those same people not do so through the democratic process? Are their voices only now to be heard as we come into the run up to an election? And now that all the important planning issues relating to that project have passed, and cannot be undone, why now has it taken a member of the public to instigate this meeting? People are either “empowered” or they are not. And when they take time to legally, and democratically, make their voices heard - but are not - they cannot be “empowered”.

I must of course be upfront. As a Lib Dem candidate, along with Crispin Acton and Neil Hepworth, seeking election in May 2022 I must lay my cards on the table. You’d expect me to point out Labour’s failings. That’s what opposition parties do. However, I do agree - and sincerely hope - that this time any decision on Christ Church Green will be left - as again this article states - “up to the people” and not ignored by those they have elected.

Scott Wilding

Wanstead Liberal Democrats