THE letter pages of your paper has facilitated a helpful discussion on a number of topics that are of concern to Uttlesford residents – council tax, wheelie bins and Stansted Airport. It is concerning, however, that many contributors do not feel their op

THE letter pages of your paper has facilitated a helpful discussion on a number of topics that are of concern to Uttlesford residents - council tax, wheelie bins and Stansted Airport.

It is concerning, however, that many contributors do not feel their opinions matter and that they are being ignored or patronised.

There is an impression that the council knows best, that members of this administration are there for the benefit of the council (or themselves) and not for the resident.

I believe that the public sector can learn much from the private sector and vice versa. Customer service and respect for the customer is common practise for most organisations and has just as much application for a council as for a business.

Successful organisations are not smug, complacent or arrogant; they do not preach, lecture and bully.

Customer service is not about ticking boxes, paying lip-service or employing consultants.

People currently feel disenfranchised in Uttlesford and frustrated they are not being listened to.

A Conservative led Uttlesford would treat residents as customers and would support council staff in their efforts to listen and respond.

Howard Rolfe

Uttlesford resident