In response to the letter from Paul Roberts (Messenger 24/11) on the Supermarket for Sale Moor proposal, as a Ward Councillor for Sale Moor, I am more than happy to share my views on this and respond to the allegation made that I am washing my hands of Sale Moor.

Like the letter writes, I am extremely angry that we are currently in the situation we are. Without any consultation with local residents, local businesses or even local ward councillors, the Conservative controlled Trafford Council have encouraged the developer Kirkland to come forward with proposals which would involve the development of a car park owned by the council.

Key to the success of this proposal is the willingness of the Conservative council to sell the car park.

I was first made aware of these proposals in September this year when I was called to a meeting at the town hall attended by the Deputy Chief Executive of the council and Kirkland where detailed plans were shown to me and my ward colleagues.

It was clear that the developer had been in talks with the council for many months. It is very clear that if a planning application is made and is successful Kirkland has been given the green light that the council will sell the car park to them.

Where do I stand on this proposal? I am only too aware that as a councillor it is my job to represent the 16,000 residents across 8,000 households that make up Sale Moor Ward.

If a planning application is submitted I will be conducting my own ward survey and as a result of that survey I will be able to represent the view of the majority which I faithfully will.

Contrary to anything you might have read or heard from the LoveSaleMoor Facebook page or certain business owners in Sale Moor, I have not endorsed the proposals and neither have my ward colleagues.

I trust this makes my position on this proposal clear.

Mike Freeman,

Labour Councillor for Sale Moor