I always try to give our local MP Dame Eleanor Laing the benefit of the doubt but I find the statement issued late on a Sunday stunning:

1. Why has it taken nearly two weeks, after she had been contacted by many of her constituents on this issue, for her to issue a detailed reply ?

2. Why doesn’t she directly mention the proposal supported by the Conservatives on Epping Forest District Council for a Clean Air Zone?

3. She claims she doesn’t want to see large or inappropriate developments. Why did she publicly support the proposed development for Jessel Green? Why does the local plan allow for such development in many of our town centres?

4. She claims she wants to protect our precious ancient Epping Forest from the dangers of pollution but fails to recognise that this Conservative portfolio holder’s decision was almost solely taken so that planning applications could start to be considered within the environs of the forest.

5. She acknowledges that the district council is holding a special meeting on Monday, February 8 but fails to mention this is ONLY taking place because non-Conservative councillors (including myself) requested it.

As far as I am concerned this statement is inaccurate and late and just reinforces how out of touch on this issue and others our MP has become.

Stephen Murray

Independent district and town councillor

Loughton Roding Ward