Conservative Councillor Darren Dale's points concerning a council tax "freeze" are well made.

However, Coun Dale failed to attend this year's council budget meeting and the Conservatives, yet again, failed to make any suggestions as to the direction of council finances.

At least Labour and Lib Dems present an alternative budget. Tory councillors non-attendance at planning policy, planning and other meetings has been recorded by all other parties, simply because it beggars belief that elected councillors, of any party, could be absent so often.

The worst example of non-attendance was a meeting specifically arranged to suit Coun Dale for which he failed to turn up and offered no apology.

Non-attendance was also levelled at Conservative county councillor Tina Mountain some months ago.

There does seem to be a pattern emerging that locally elected Conservative councillors simply don't feel it's worth getting involved in local government processes, presumably until they have a majority and have no alternative but to do the job.

Isn't this rather arrogant?

One councillor in particular is well known for passing on problems encountered by his residents to his Residents Association colleague who also represents the area.

Why did they stand for office if they don't want to do the job or attend meetings or put their point of view?

So whatever the political persuasion of our residents, rest assured that at least your RA, Lib Dem and Labour councillors do turn up for meetings and do deal with your problems when they arise.

Whilst the Conservatives may pop up at local election time, it does seem as though this is about as much as one can expect of them.

Councillor Julie Morris; Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

Send your letter to: letters@epsomguardian.co.uk.

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