Sir,

Bob Hayward suggests that we ask certain county councillors why they voted in favour of ever more houses in and around Monmouth when the infrastructure is unable to support them.

I would suggest it is because they are under the party whip and have no choice other than to do as they are told.

In my opinion, there is no place for party politics in local government. Only if they are independent can they vote as their conscience guides them and at the same time, take into consideration the wishes of their constituents.

Pauline Cass

(Monmouth)