We need a fresh start lest old arguments about planning poison yet another year.

But last week’s article on Tendring Council leader Cllr Neil Stock’s fury at broken promises and damaged trust in Colchester Borough Council is entirely fair.

I have said as much in arguing that Colchester as a shareholder in garden community development work is morally (if not legally) obliged to pay our fair share.

We should pay our way. Because it is the right thing to do and because it is practical.

We need to work with fellow local authorities and never more than now, in a time of crisis, when health and economic interests and yes house building are shared priorities best dealt with together. Why tear at that co-operation?

But your article was wrong to suggest this damaging rupture is down to Colchester leader, Lib Dem Mark Cory.

It is his responsibility to help get our proposals through.

But the agreements made for the council by any administration bind us all. We shouldn’t pick and choose. I’ll pay that bill but not that.

So point your finger at another leader, Conservative councillor Paul Dundas.

He featured in your letters page (Gazette, July 23) praising himself and others for their unbending opposition to garden communities.

Fair enough. But, so doing is the very party point scoring he argues is not in the public interest.

He and we must do better. We have a Local Plan we can unite upon. A garden community (but not near him), which should bring investment and, done well huge opportunities.

But, it will need the support of Councillor Dundas and his colleagues, and for them to join his fellow Conservatives at Essex County Council and yes, (wait for it), mightily upset Tendring.

Without their trust and support damaged by our council we will fail. It’s time to move on and settle up.

David King

Colchester Council Cabinet Member for Business and Resources

Mile End Ward (Lib Dem)