I moved from Clacton to Walton about a year ago, where I was a user of the swimming pool and lifestyle gym, etc.

These facilities were one of the things I missed when I moved, as I could not afford to travel to Clacton by bus to use the centre. So when I heard Walton pool was going to get an upgrade and lifestyle equipment, I was delighted.

When the Community Representative/Conservative alliance recently took control of Tendring Council, they decided to renege on the proposed upgrades for our area.

To add insult to injury, they are now trying to squeeze more money out of us for the lease of our market.

I have been told by a local this land once belonged to Walton, so how many times do we have to pay?

We already pay our rates and then a precept to Frinton and Walton Town Council.

Our town needs all the help it can get. The town council is trying to help.

Where is the help from Tendring Council?

It was reported recently the owner of a kiosk opposite the Coastguard station had been given permission from Tendring Council to take over part of our beach.

I thought the beach belonged to us all, not to be leased for profit for the owner and council.

How much more can Walton take? We are all having a hard time and the news that the Conservatives and their Community Representative allies have given themselves free Clacton Air Show tickets, to be wined and dined all day, really is the last straw.

But at least they will be in contact with the real world while they are enjoying themselves, because they have given themselves a free Blackberry.

The current leader, Councillor Stock, has even allocated himself an assistant to run his every day council duties, as he is too busy with his own business.

Our local Conservatives have no idea at all about local issues, but continue to jump to the strings pulled by their puppet masters at Chelmsford and beyond.

I am pleased to hear there could be a takeover bid from the opposition group. I wish them good luck and look forward to seeing our district council run properly again, and hopefully see their plans for our area reinstated.

Mrs A Collins
Newgate Street
Walton