WE write in response to Councillor Vassie's letter (October 4). Once again a Liberal Democrat councillor has sought to link Labour councillors with the British National Party to taint their actions.

We might have been impressed with Councillor Vassie's defence of planned consultation in relation to the relocation of Arc Light had consultation started in January 2004, when Government funds were first awarded, or if the Arc Light relocation hadn't been hidden when Shipton Street School's future was discussed at the council's resources executive members advisory panel (EMAP) in February 2005.

There were no plans to consult with residents except for the limited consultation required by planning regulations.

An exhibition to show plans for the redevelopment does not amount to consultation. Consultation is a two-way process, allowing discussion and amendments to take place.

It is no wonder the residents of Clifton felt let down by the Lib Dem executive. If Councillor Vassie doubts this he should recall the resources EMAP that had to defer this issue because it could not accommodate the record number of attendees.

We remain committed to helping Arc Light find a suitable location to continue its valuable work, provided that genuine consultation takes place with the citizens of York.

We would invite Lib Dem councillors to work with us to achieve this rather that try to hide behind cloaks of secrecy.

If Councillor Vassie is really charging us with representing the legitimate concerns of residents, then we plead guilty.

Councillors David Scott, Ken King and Alan Jones,

Labour Councillors for Clifton,

Sandringham Street,

York.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, October 06, 2005