Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Some politicians attach more importance to their party allegiance.

A petition was recently presented at a full council meeting asking WC to reconsider the withdrawal of a local transport scheme.

In a subsequent message to the Chairman of Council, spokeswoman for the Association of Kennet passengers Kate Freeman said, "After the vote was taken I was approached by various members who had not spoken but abstained instead, evidence that this was a predetermined response along party lines. Ours was a sincere petition presented to full council in good faith in accordance with your rules. We had no reason to believe we would not be properly heard in the democratic spirit in which it was delivered. We had a reasonable expectation that (a) our divisional representatives would wish to speak up for their communities (i.e. Cllrs. Hall and Grundy) and (b) further action would be agreed such as a meeting with your cabinet portfolio holder."

Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated one. Time and again party councillors either sit on their hands or bite their tongue rather than incur the wrath of their party whip for speaking for their constituents against their political masters at County Hall.

The only people in Wiltshire that can be sure that their needs are put before those of a political party are those which are represented by an Independent.