I really cannot let Cllr Huckle’s claim that the first most councillors knew about the decision to close the cash office at North Quay was when the public received a recent letter as reported in the Echo on April 12.

That decision was taken by full council by a member vote, with no one (including Labour members) opposing it, some years ago.

There have been ongoing discussions to ensure that implementing this decision would not penalise those residents without bank accounts or electronic media, not least a formal consultation over the end of last year, in which all councillors were invited and encouraged to participate. So there would appear to be two scenarios.

Either Cllr Huckle’s Labour colleagues knew nothing about this proposed reform but nevertheless voted heavily in favour of it, and additionally have absolutely no knowledge of the consultations which several of my colleagues used to ensure due safeguards were included for people who might otherwise be disadvantaged, or his claim published in an attempt to deny his group’s earlier unconditional support for this reform.

Cllr Huckle cannot have it both ways.

Cllr Gill Taylor, W&PBC for Westham West