IN their response (HAS, Aug 2) to my letter (HAS, July 28), Labour councillors Paul Taylor, Bill Kellett and Maggie Robinson again fail to confirm what their views are on a unitary council, and instead attack the Liberal Democrats on planning matters. Talk about dodging the issue.

Their statement that there has been no meaningful consultation in relation to planning issues, given their desire to ignore the democratic vote on a unitary council, is preposterous.

In relation to Elvet Waterside, there have been two city centre forums, two public exhibitions and two meetings to which all interested parties, including residents' associations, were invited. Ward councillor literature and city council information has been distributed, and all this is before any plans have even been lodged by the developer.

Once plans are lodged, every resident will be able to comment and the committee meeting will be fully open to the public.

Couns Kellett, Robinson and Taylor clearly believe that consultation is someone making a decision in London about the future of Durham. They should apologise for making false statements about LibDem consultation and accept that, in fact, it is the Labour Party which is failing to listen to people.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, Liberal Democrat, Durham City Council.