The Independent Working Class Association is slow with its letter about the alleyway off Windale Avenue at Blackbird Leys, Oxford (Oxford Mail, February 2).

The on-site meeting with the county council cabinet member, Ian Hudspeth, to see the longstanding problems and the need for action took place more than two weeks ago.

The area co-ordinator invited all councillors, but no-one from the IWCA bothered to turn up.

Labour members are totally committed to getting the alley closed and we have worked with the police and residents to get the evidence together so the legislation brought in by the Labour Government can be acted on.

It would be better for local residents if the IWCA supported the case we have been making.

As for my membership of the parish council, I was asked to join the parish council when an IWCA councillor was chairing it - because the numbers were so low, it was in danger of folding.

I have attended the parish council for many years, and with decisions affecting the estate being made by the different councils, it certainly needs someone to pull things together.

The IWCA is quick to sling mud about where councillors live.

I am proud to live on Blackbird Leys. Perhaps Mr Craft could tell us where he lives.

On the city website, his address is listed as Members' Room, Town Hall. I don't think he actually lives there.

VAL SMITH (Councillor) Flaxfield Road Blackbird Leys Oxford