I am writing in response to the letters in last week's Wiltshire Times about the Hilperton relief road meeting, in which concern was expressed that this council does not have open meetings that involve the public.

The planning meeting held on Friday January 29 to discuss the relief road had two hours set aside for public comment.

Members of the public who attended organised themselves very effectively to take advantage of this opportunity.

The council does not have to open its meetings to the public in this way but it is very pleased to do so.

Comment has been made about some councillors not being able to take part in the meeting.

All councillors have to sign up to strict ethical standards, which are set by the Standards Board for England.

Where they have what is deemed "a personal and prejudicial interest" in a matter, they are not able to take part in any debate on that issue.

Such interests arise where it is evident that either the councillor or their relatives or friends may benefit from the eventual decision.

All councillors who were able to take part in the debate did so and this council did not prevent any of its members from taking part. Individual councillors sought advice and formed their own judgement about whether or not they could take part.

I am sure you are aware that this planning meeting resulted in the issue being deferred.

A further meeting will be set up in the next few weeks and once again there will be opportunities for the public to be fully involved.

It is clear that elected members are giving very careful consideration to this issue and are scrutinising all the facts and arguments in detail.

They are right to do so.

A Pate,

Chief executive,

West Wiltshire District Council,

Trowbridge