Alec Russell gives a predictable reply to my letter, accusing me of continuing to spin the facts (Oxford Mail, May 19). In fact, my letter was sent in before the election because of his political spin against the Liberal Democrats.

The new housing, on the site of the former Oseney Court old people's home, is in Oxford where, on average, council tax is about £100 higher than the charges made by the Vale of White Horse District Council (10th lowest in the country).

Mr Russell moans about social facilities that the Vale provides in Botley, but it has little potential to develop facilities as it does not own development land.

It has a good record of giving grants in support of local clubs and groups.

The sports development team continues to work in the area with tennis and football clubs and the Vale has given grants to update facilities.

Much of the accommodation for older people at Vale House and Seacourt Road was built by the council.

These homes were transferred to the Vale Housing Association in 1994, and both had social amenity rooms on site.

The Vale of White Horse Seacourt Hall is administered locally for community use.

Bookings are now working well after restrictive practices, which I helped to highlight, were sorted out.

If Mr Russell can come up with constructive proposals for local councillors to take forward for consideration, we would be pleased to discuss them with him.

Briony Newport

(Councillor)

Vale of White Horse

District Council