I would like to thank councillor Martin Goss (Letters, August 5) for his offer of help and guidance in relation to working as a ward councillor, and would like to assure him Lexden is in safe hands, I know all the roots and branches in the town hall structure.

Unfortunately, following the removal of shrubs, the borders were covered in foul topsoil, the grass seed did not stand a chance, the weeds took over, we had beer cans, plastic bags, yoghurt pots, old rusty needles and syringes in the earth. The weeds soon reached the height of 2ft and were cut back, only to grow again.

I have corresponded since April 11 with council officers and the portfolio holder. Lexden residents were kept informed and are aware of how I operate as a councillor.

The residents appreciate the new garden. I cannot claim any credit for it, but will own up to asking Bill and Ben for help!

Sonia Lewis
Councillor
Acland Avenue, Lexden

...I DON’T like tit-for-tat politics because it does not benefit the residents of Colchester. However, it is right to highlight what Conservatives will do if we take over at the Town Hall.

To this end, I am not sure what councillor Martin Goss is going on about in his recent missive. As I keep repeating, I do not know who the Human Shrub is and it is most certainly not me, as when the Shrub was last seen, I was away on holiday.

However, if Mr Goss and Bob Russell MP keep trying to say that the Shrub’s antics are a Conservative campaign, I really don’t mind that either, in fact I wish I had thought of it myself. The reason being is that the Human Shrub, the Conservatives and most people I speak to are very upset that the council has failed to plant any flowers and has made our town look truly awful, not to mention making it a national laughing stock.

I’m pleased we have all shamed this Lib Dem/Lab coalition into saying it will plant flowers next year but the reality is it should have planted them this year.

The Conservatives will bring back the flowers and keep them there, we will also ensure Colchester is again a beautiful blooming town that wins competitions and attracts more tourists here to boost our economy.

Kevin Bentley
Councillor
Conservative Group Leader
Willoughby Avenue
West Mersea