THE Tory debacle over the green belt seems to have hit new lows with Coun Sian Wiseman’s decision to form an alliance with the Conservative group solely so they can remain the official opposition and retain some £17,000 of allowances.

This move being caused by a former Labour councillor switching to the Liberal Democrats and making the Tory and Lib Dem group numbers equal.

This comes just a month after she resigned from the Conservative group due to differences of opinion over the Local Plan, which was undoubtedly the right thing to do in the circumstances (The Press, May 1).

However, her dissent from the official policy appears not to be due to conviction, but appears to have been motivated by the fact her family owns green belt land which has been allocated for development so she stands to gain financially if the plan is approved.

In those circumstances, it is vital that she declares her interest at every stage and takes no part whatsoever in the consultation process as a councillor, only as a private citizen.

Speaking as one who was elected to the City of York shadow authority in 1995 largely as a result of my vociferous campaign against unwarranted green belt development, I believe most residents in Strensall, Stockton and Earswick would support my stance.

Tony Fisher, West End, Strensall, York.