We were amazed to see the comments from Cllr Mavis Webster (June 12) regarding the figure of 1,800 houses for Rayleigh.

What she said was wrong and damaging to the town.

The Eastern Region has not set any housing target for Rayleigh at all. It has simply set a target for the district as a whole. It's her Conservative colleagues on the district council who have supported a figure of 1,800 - more than the figure for Hockley, Hawkwell, Rochford and Ashingdon combined.

As in the past, the council is trying to push as much housing as possible into Rayleigh.

We know we are going to have some extra housing in Rayleigh - and we do need some for first-time buyers, but 1,800 houses is too much.

What Mrs Webster should be doing is telling the public to respond to the consultation that's going on until July 2. Then she should publicly announce that she will vote against 1,800 houses for Rayleigh.

What's more important to her - the town she represents, or following the Tory party line?

Chris Black
Jackie Dillnutt, Chris Lumley, June Lumley, Ron Oatham
(Lib Dem councillors, Council Offices
Rayleigh