WITH reference to the letter from Susan Humphrey, of Colwall, (Your Letters, September 28) suggesting that local councillors were compelled by central government to approve the recent mobile phone mast planning application in Colwall regardless of local opposition, it is not always the case that councils serving their local community feel so unable to represent it.

Birmingham City Council refused 200 out of 349 applications for mobile phone masts between 2002 and 2006 on the grounds that they were too close to schools. Yet the proposed mast in Colwall is close to three schools and has been approved without adequate consultation or deliberation on a most serious issue which will not go away.

Since when did a Conservative council espouse the view that the government knows best? The point of democracy is to listen and consult and the point of local councils is to serve local needs and wishes. It is very disappointing that, unlike Birmingham Council, the councils of Colwall have failed to exercise independence of mind in fulfilling their purpose.

SARAH GARLAND, Malvern.