I felt I must write to correct the conjecture and misinformation in Mr Warner’s letter (March 30) about Colchester Council’s consultation on the proposal to rename Harbour Ward.

I would like to draw Mr Warner’s attention to the fact this matter was brought to the council’s attention by Father Richard Tillbrook, Vicar of Old Heath, who has been campaigning for nearly a decade to get the name changed to its locally-recognised name.

I am pleased councillors across the political spectrum wholeheartedly supported these proposals at last month’s council meeting.

Father Tillbrook’s call for action was backed by conversations I have had with local residents over the last six months. Indeed, I am delighted that what started as a conversation in the queue in the Abbot’s Road Co-op store has made it all the way to a proper debate at the full council.

It would appear Mr Warner has not read the detailed procedure set out by council officers for any potential name change.

If a full postal survey takes place, it would indeed cost £1,200. However, Colchester Council conducts a majority of its consultations online and the cost of this is minimal.

I believe a web-based consultation, backed up by hand-delivered survey forms by community volunteers, is the best and most cost-effective option.

Jordan Newell
Chairman
Colchester Labour Party
Tufnell Way
Colchester