SIR – I write in response to the letter from Cllr Nick Atkinson (WHT, June 18). As a member of the recently created group Action Hatfield I would like to make it clear that, against Cllr Atkinson s inference of the group s political motivation, that Acti

SIR - I write in response to the letter from Cllr Nick Atkinson (WHT, June 18).

As a member of the recently created group Action Hatfield I would like to make it clear that, against Cllr Atkinson's inference of the group's political motivation, that Action Hatfield is a residents' group and is entirely apolitical.

Those involved are merely concerned residents who want to see some positive action to ensure that the town centre is bettered, now. The purpose of the group is not to promote any particular political party, it is purely to pressurise Welwyn Hatfield Council into more immediate action.

I am as un-political as they come, I am just a very concerned resident. I am not pledging my allegiance to any party, I simply want (what I'm sure all Hatfield citizens want), a town centre that we can be proud of.

A town centre where you feel safe, that you actually want to visit. The purpose of Action Hatfield is to gain support of the community and make a big enough noise that the council cannot ignore. We hope to actually do something positive for the town of Hatfield, something the council seems incapable of.

As stated by Cllr Atkinson, "any person that looks at the economics of the scheme can see it is a viable option".

It is. It has been for many years. And the project was promised to commence in 2008. The plans were clearly afoot to begin the project earlier this year, so where is the action? And where is the communication with our residents as to why the project has not begun.

Cllr Atkinson's letter also alluded to the fact that the project is on track - "it is going to go ahead" - but gave no specific guarantee, ball-park date or further information of its status. If we are to believe that the project is still viable and in progress, we need a council that isn't afraid to tell us the truth. I implore them to be open and transparent with the people of Hatfield and keep us informed about the developments. Is it too much to ask that they be honest?

And, if the council does not want to be further embarrassed by Action Hatfield, then they should start communicating with us sooner, rather than later.

Action Hatfield will be continuing our petition at local events, including the monthly farmers' markets. We also have an online petition available to sign on our website: www.actionhatfield.org.uk.

Helen Seward, disgruntled Hatfield resident and Action Hatfield protester.