I would just like to make it clear that I've not been reported to standards. Many are confused like I am as to why my three colleagues have deemed it necessary suspend me after a hard fought campaign in Park where I acheived a healthy majority despite strong efforts by the Liberals with Nick Clegg holding a rally near my home.

My suspension on committee is linked to my letters in the press on topics like eg the Palace Theatre, the Afro Caribbbean Society, high hospital parking charges, the alcohol fuelled economy of the town centre, high density developments.

In council, I've spoken about eg fair treatment for disabled groups, infringements by the developers on the new college on the Hempstead Rd, the need to examine our parking situation.

I do believe that local politics should be above indivdual power games played in parties and party politics. I was elected by residents and its my duty to raise issues on their behalf and therefore will not be vetoed on topics to write about.

The coalition is working nationally despite huge disagreements on sentencing policy, controlled orders, defense cuts, tuition fees, to name just a few and it is perplexing to find myself suspended over my right to express my local views. I've not made any personal attacks on anyone in my letters or gone against Conservative policies.

Cllr Meerabux (WBC Park Ward)