WE'RE writing in response to an article in your newspaper regarding a planning application being submitted for a supported housing unit for autistic adults in Okebourne Park.

As ward councillors for the area, we have been and will continue to work with residents who have concerns about this proposed development. Their worries include this property not being in keeping with the rest of the estate, parking-related issues and that works have already started to take place on the building that are both not in accordance with the application and is premature to any application being agreed.

We noted from the Swindon Advertiser comments pages that we are being criticised for representing our constituents and for making sure their views are taken into account, suggesting that we should side with the planning applicant rather than our constituents.

This criticism was similarly repeated by Councillor Russell Holland, one of the most senior Conservative members of Swindon Council, who argued that because of the proposed change of use for the building, we should not be fully representing our constituents’ views or ensuring due process is fully followed. We were shocked to read this on Sunday evening as we are seeking to work with the local Conservative MP to achieve a suitable outcome for our residents.

We have worked with Mr Buckland on other matters on behalf of our shared constituents and would be saddened if his party has decided to take a contrary position to ours.

As Labour politicians we will always champion and support activities that seek to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities.

However, we also have to fully represent our constituents when they have strong views on local matters and we make no apology for doing so.

Finally we would like to respond to those on the chat forums who have accused the Okebourne Park residents of being ‘nimbys’ and attacked them with other insulting language. These comments have been totally unfair and not fit for the debate we should have on this issue.

The residents we have worked with in Okebourne Park have always been nice and pleasant people, who care about their community and want to have their say. This is completely fair and is a cornerstone of our democratic system.

Councillors Neil Heavens & Derique Montaut, Ward Councillors for Liden, Eldene & Park South Swindon