CRIKEY, a cabinet member reprimands some letter writers, ‘Councils explore voluntary merger’, Barry and District News, November 20.

Councillor John is being a little unfair in saying ‘people airing views in the local press in favour of the Cardiff option’ are sat on ‘their backsides and have nothing to do except write about things they know nothing about.’

As one of the few people writing to the press about council mergers and, if we are to merge, favouring a Cardiff option, it looks like I’m being sent to the naughty stool again.

It may not alter his view, or others who disagree with me, but I have done some research and read most of the documents available, including the Welsh Government’s White Paper and the William’s report. However, I confess it is some time now since I was employed in, and formally studied local government management, so there may be some rusty spots.

It is also true that the advice and support of hundreds of staff is not available to most letter writers but I try to do my best with the limited time I have available.

Condemning people who have different views and are willing to put their head above the parapet sounds a tad autocratic and out of character. It seems to me no one, not even councillors, have a monopoly on wisdom: we should learn by listening especially when another’s view conflicts with our own.

Dennis Harkus

FocusBARRY member