IT IS not only Maria Williams (Post letter February 25) who feels upset at the treatment accorded to Cllr Barns. When I have concerns, his reaction was prompt and thorough – arranging for a council official to contact me, and then checking to ensure that

IT IS not only Maria Williams (Post letter February 25) who feels upset at the treatment accorded to Cllr Barns.

When I have concerns, his reaction was prompt and thorough - arranging for a council official to contact me, and then checking to ensure that matters had been resolved.

His final words always being a reassurance never to hesitate to contact him if there were more worries in the future.

All this was possible because of his knowledge of the borough in general and his commitment to Thames Ward and its residents in particular. It was the sort of 'customer care' that commercial companies spend thousands of pounds trying to instil into their staff - but with him it is completely natural and genuine.

It is incredible to me that someone with such qualities and commitment to the residents of the borough should have been deselected by his party.

For him after so many years of service, it must have been very distressing. I am glad that he has taken to the bold step of standing as an Independent in the forthcoming elections and giving voters an opportunity to make their feelings clear.

Miss T Beales

Craven Gardens, Barking