The proposed Clean Air Zone is exactly in keeping with the way the Conservatives run Epping Forest District Council (EFDC), knock everyone else, ignore counter opinions, never seek a wider consensus and expect minority group councillors to like it or lump it.

This strategy is a good example of this approach. Another example is the multi-million pound purchase of much of the Centric Parade area, a decision taken by just three Conservative councillors without any prior discussion with any of the 14 elected councillors in Loughton. It’s simply breathtaking in its political arrogance.

As just one lone councillor I certainly do not intend to just like it and I certainly don’t intend lumping it anytime soon.

It would be so much better if the majority Conservative group on EFDC realised that all councillors and local residents have something to offer, opinions worth listening to and experiences/expertise that can help in reaching better decisions and achieving a greater degree of cross group consensus on local issues - that’s how it should be.

Cllr Stephen Murray,

Independent, Loughton Roding ward