Lars Petersson (Guardian, January 23) isn’t the only person the normally-loquacious Cllr Loakes is reluctant to reply to.

For some weeks now, the long-awaited new Edison Close entrance to Walthamstow Queens Road station has been complete and ready for use but remains fenced off. I have twice emailed Cllr Loakes – deputy leader and a long-time supporter of the scheme - asking him if there is any truth in the rumour that the council is deliberately delaying its opening until April, so that it can highlight it as a victory in the run-up to the elections in May.

He has not replied to either email – if the rumour is untrue, surely he should be anxious to deny it immediately and get the new entrance opened as soon as possible?

Graham Larkbey, Carr Road, Walthamstow