Sir,

As leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, I am compelled to respond to the fictitious outburst of Clr. Mike Williams in last week's edition.

I will refrain from applying the same method of defence by personally attacking others as it is the practice of bullies and not of those who associate themselves with democracy.

The facts surrounding the genuine intentions of the county council to explore useful joint action of working stems from a meeting of the National Park with the Minister for the Environment when she directed, in her own words: "I am keen for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to consider the scope for useful joint action with Pembrokeshire County Council in delivery of the planning function."

On Thursday, July 16, at a full meeting of the county council, a resolution was passed by a sweeping majority to explore opportunities of joint working.

It was supported by four of the five Plaid Cymru group members of which Clr. Williams is leader. Only one member of the Labour group voted against such action.

After a useful debate, the arguments for better shared opportunities were supported across the political divide as it was clearly evident the status quo was not defensible.

I can assure your readers any representations that I shall be making publicly or to Ministers will be constructive and to the common purpose of effective public services.

Given the evidence of the auditors report on planning within the National Park, I suggest you ask the chairman of its planning committee to furnish you with their performance data for the last 12 months and then compare it to others.

In concluding, I wish to reiterate my assurance to your readers - as I did to council - this is not about a 'take-over' in any way, but it is about looking to see what we can do better both operationally, financially and from a governance point by working jointly.

Surely anybody who has the genuine interest of better services at lower costs will be able to associate themselves with such intent. It is time to put self-interest aside and look towards the interest of the electorate by providing them with better performance.

Clr, John Davies,

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.