THE assertion in your report headlined “‘Merry hell’ fear over review snub” (Echo, July 29) that Middlesbrough Council will not consult residents in the Gresham ward “for fear it will inflame their lack of trust” is not correct.

The facts are that the council is at the start of a process of reviewing the community buildings in two wards, Gresham and Grove Hill. This will involve looking at, among other things, the condition of the buildings, how many people use them and the needs of the community groups and organisations which use them. This is a preliminary fact-finding exercise.

The council has been open about this by writing to the community centre managers asking them to make all service user groups aware of the review.

If the review progresses beyond this initial stage the council will, at the appropriate time, broaden the consultation to residents.

Ultimately, we hope this review will be the beginning of a process to create high-quality sustainable community buildings to suit the needs of residents in Gresham and Grove Hill for many years to come.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Middlesbrough Council.

■ Footnote: The Northern Echo report did not say Middlesbrough Council had no plans to consult residents. It clearly stated they were not being consulted in the early stages.