I HAVE just received a copy of the Liberal Democrats Focus leaflet where they attack Essex County Council for its proposals to trial switching off some streetlights after midnight to save energy and money. Indeed the LibDem Focus leaflet seems to be ambi

I HAVE just received a copy of the Liberal Democrats Focus leaflet where they attack Essex County Council for its proposals to trial switching off some streetlights after midnight to save energy and money.

Indeed the LibDem Focus leaflet seems to be ambiguous saying that "we all want to do our bit for the environment and there may be lights we can safely switch off".

However, they then lambaste the principle of a trial. Where are the

Liberal Democrats on climate change?

Cllr Susan Flack met with Cllr Rodney Bass, the cabinet member for Highways at Essex County Council with the result that a significant number of streetlights in Dunmow will be trialled with a new switching device, made by a firm in Uttlesford.

This new device will allow the time for switch off to be remotely and may I add variably controlled.

The whole exercise in Uttlesford and Maldon districts is a trial, but the principle is now being taken up by other counties including Liberal Democrat controlled Devon County Council. Indeed many villages in Uttlesford have supported the trial and it should not be forgotten that Cllr Bass selected his own district, Maldon, to participate in the trial as well as us. If we do not try it, we will never know.

It is clear that despite LibDem claims to the contrary that Cllr Bass is prepared to listen to representations made to him. Communication is a two-way thing and Dunmow Town Council is now enjoined in that process, by requesting close monitoring of the scheme making sure that a proven result is to the benefit of all.

There is a set of guidelines that were issued by the county council as to areas in towns that should not have lights switched off to which we may also add other areas we consider necessary.

It is outrageous for the LibDems to try to create division in Uttlesford by claiming that the county council is "again offering a deal to their friends in Saffron Walden and, at the same time, saying tough luck to Dunmow".

This is not the way to seek two-way dialogue with the county council on any matter, indeed quite the opposite.

Michael Miller

Dunmow Town Cllr

Uttlesford District Cllr Dunmow South