I AM writing to set the record straight about a story in the Gazette on November 9 about the SWDP.

In the story, Councillor John Raine was quoted as saying planners had failed to engage with residents by preparing their (i.e. the planners) initial Preferred Options document.

He went on to say that the dilemma concerning the SWDP could have been avoided had the planners engaged with communities properly from the start.

As far as the preferred option of the SWDP is concerned, this was approved by the council for consultation with residents.

In terms of engagement with residents, it is we, the elected representatives, who should have been leading on this with the support of our planning professionals.

Any failure to engage is our responsibility.

The present dilemma concerning the SWDP is entirely down to the failure of certain Malvern Hills councillors who have failed to engage properly with the process and their communities until the eleventh hour.

We now find ourselves in a very difficult situation following the council meeting on November 13.

It is both unhelpful, and unfair to say the least, for Coun Raine to be attempting to shift the blame from those who should be shouldering it to those who are blameless but unable to respond.

COUNCILLOR TONY PENN