I fear that I am becoming far too cynical lately given the council s literature that has been presented to the public. Often I receive the council s paper the news and have to double check the title to make sure I am not reading labour party propaganda. R

I fear that I am becoming far too cynical lately given the council's literature that has been presented to the public.

Often I receive the council's paper the news and have to double check the title to make sure I am not reading labour party propaganda.

Recently the story of the cancellation of the labour government's Dagenham prison was met with a big picture of the leader of the council and the MP for the area, strangely there were none of the other groups mentioned who also campaigned against the plans.

This is one of a number of occasions that I have received the News and thought is it me or is this shameless electioneering.

Also through the mail I have received a few letters from Cllr Mick McCarthy all on headed council paper and posted to the residents of my ward at great cost to them.

I wonder why these communications could not be carried out in a more cost effective manner for the taxpayer, for example through their own election campaign fund or even releasing details to the independent press or even in the news.

Am I being too cynical at this time approaching a general and local election; I ask you to read the literature and decide for yourself.

So with this in mind I will make one pledge to you, should the conservatives control the council after the election we will scrap the News and cut the letters budget.

We will also work with the legitimate press to secure local jobs and to guarantee fair and independent reporting of the council's activities.

Cllr Neil Connelly

Eastbrook ward