WHEN I first learnt that Tendring Council was proposing to close the website of DisabledGo, I, along with Councillor Delia Aldis, sought answers to the following.

Why the need to close a site which was so valuable, both to local disabled people and those wishing to travel to our town? Plenty of people are disabled. Why was there no consultation with the company that had a working contract with the council, to see if there was any way of, first, doing a cost cutting review?

I was on the steering committee for DisabledGo. Yet the council saw no need to arrange a meeting of the committee to announce the closure plans before it hit the media. Why?

At every steering committee meeting, the council was well represented. I would like to ask my local councillor, Stephen Mazyes, why has he not contacted the company, despite several requests from me by letter, phone call and e-mail?

The disabled need this wonderful website so very badly. There seems to be an attitude of contempt from the council towards this.

Three years ago, councillors Peter Halliday, Sara Candy, Danny Mayzes and Stephen Mayzes met with the now the-defunct Tendring Access Group and they assured those present (I was there) they would make all disability policies priority one, and make sure disabled people in this town would get a better deal. What value are those promises now?

I challenge the council to answer this open letter with truth and honesty.

Barry O'Connell
Saxstead Drive
Clacton