It is good to see that a group of residents in Shotgate, Wickford, are going ahead to try to save yet another area of green space from developers by applying for village green status.

I am sure all involved in the “Save our Spaces” campaigns across the Basildon borough would wish them well in their efforts, and indeed offer them support.

The thing I find difficult to understand, however, is councillor Michael Mowe’s appearance in your photograph with the supporters.

He is, isn’t he, the same councillor Mowe who is an assistant cabinet member on Basildon Borough Council who voted with his colleagues to sell off areas of green open space in Pitsea, Laindon and Wickford. Presumably he is the same councillor Mowe who supports the further destruction of Gloucester Park and the building of houses at Markhams Chase.

I do hope this represents Damascene conversion of councillor Mowe and I look forward to him now stepping down as an assistant cabinet member so he can devote his time to protecting all green spaces in the borough and, indeed, persuading his colleagues of his case. I hope this is not a case of Tories facing both ways.

Councillor Phil Rackley
Devonshire Road
Laindon