THERE seems to be a theme running through Postbag calling for more local democracy and thus for more local accountability. Stuart Findlay and M R Hutchins (Postbag, October 18), in a way, make much the same point. I made a similar point recently with ref

THERE seems to be a theme running through Postbag calling for more local democracy and thus for more local accountability.

Stuart Findlay and M R Hutchins (Postbag, October 18), in a way, make much the same point.

I made a similar point recently with reference to the market.

The siting of the proposed travellers' camps will further emphasise these principles of democracy and accountability. Nobody will want one in their locality, but because of the law, European or otherwise, camp sites will have to be found.

This places great responsibility upon those who are empowered to make the decision as to where these camps are to be sited, a decision which inevitably will cause real hardship to many people.

Those so empowered, whether they be elected councillors or officials of the council, should make their decision openly, explaining their reasons fully and allowing proper representations both to be made and to be heard.

Furthermore, and in my view most important of all, there should be a compact between the council, together with the police on the one hand and those affected by the decision to locate the travellers camps in their locality, on the other hand, whereby, on all occasions and for ever, the protective rights of the people will be upheld.

It will be no good, having blighted the lives of many people, the council or the police walking away from the problem on the grounds that it is unsolvable or worse still on the grounds that it is too time consuming, too expensive or even too dangerous to control.

Those affected, on their part, from the start should make it abundantly clear that, on every occasion, they will seek to enforce their rights to proper protection.

Nothing less will do.

JEREMY FORDHAM

Royston

HOW I agree with Stuart Findlay (Postbag, October 18). I have lived and been in business in the town all my life and never have I heard so many negative comments about the town centre.

We really do need to do something now.

Yes, of course, Saffron Walden is a thriving town.

It has a large supermarket in the town centre, therefore people do their shopping and then browse around the shops, having parked only once.

I have been to council meetings and proposed this to the town manager.

His comment: "Where would we put it?" Need we tell him about Angel Pavement? Do the town councillors really care? If so give us some feedback.

We feel our comments are falling on deaf ears. Listen to the people of Royston now.

We need a Marks & Spencer simply food or a Waitrose in the town NOW because otherwise it really will be too late.

This would also be competition for Tesco - and bring down car parking charges and we're there.

JANE WESLEY

Royston