As the recently elected leader of the Independent Group on Maldon District Council, I would like to be absolutely clear the 14 Independent Councillors (ten of which are new district councillors) all chose of their own free will to accept the offer of an invitation to be part of the group which exists to help, not to constrain, members, and no-one will ever be told how to vote or what to vote for.

Maldon District residents can be assured that any elected Independent Councillor will always be free to make up their own mind if a proposal is good or not and whether to support it or not.

We have already had differing views within the group and this is quite acceptable.

If a vote does happen to be unanimous because of common areas, it will be their individual choice.

I have never experienced anyone treating us or referring to us as a single party and my experience so far is that every Independent Councillor works hard for their individual ward residents - and long may this be so.

Mark S Heard (Maldon West)

Leader of the Opposition

Maldon District Council