SIR,

It was disappointing to see yet another ill-informed letter concerning the LDP appear in last week's edition, this time from Chris Williams.

To begin with the change of wording relating to the Wonastow Road site, which he believes might pave the way for more houses on the site, was done at the instigation of the Welsh Government not Monmouthshire County Council, its officers or councillors.

Had Mr Williams bothered to check the public documents issued by MCC he could have verified the position.

Secondly, I take great exception to his accusation of me as "cowardly" in abstaining from the vote on the Wonastow Road site.

I had no option other than to abstain. I had a 'personal and prejudicial interest' in the site because my husband has rented part of the site.

I had to declare that interest under the code of conduct that all councillors have to abide by.

Having declared the interest, not only was I required not to vote but I also had to leave the room during the ensuing debate.

Had I taken any part or worse still voted, I would have no doubt been facing an inquiry by the Local Government Ombudsman with very serious consequences.

Just for the record, as the local member representing local interests had I had a vote in the debate I could not have supported the site.

County Councillor Susan White

(Monmouth)