I feel I must write in response to the letters dated Thursday, January 18. I would like to make it clear that my issue is not with the residents of Stevenage who I have got the greatest respect for. In my letter (dated Thursday, January 11) my comments we

I feel I must write in response to the letters dated Thursday, January 18.

I would like to make it clear that my issue is not with the residents of Stevenage who I have got the greatest respect for. In my letter (dated Thursday, January 11) my comments were directed at a few people who choose to misunderstand how the canopy was funded. I did not, as some have suggested, write in because a small number of people have different views about the canopy to mine.

I do however, take issue with the letter from Mr Stonebanks in which he challenges my statement: "Finally on the issue of council tax, raised by a number of your letter writers, may I remind readers that Stevenage's council tax is in fact the lowest average total council tax per household in Hertfordshire.'

My statement is absolutely correct. This equates to £1,053.16 and the comparable figure for Broxbourne, which has the next lowest average total council tax per household, is £1,184.40.

And in response to Bill Hoyes' most recent letter, despite the 100 miles per hour winds and torrential rain that brought down trees in the town, roof tiles, fences and even the concrete front of one building (not council built) the canopy remains in position and continues to provide shelter just as it is designed to do.

I actually care very much what local people think so I went into the town centre myself this week and asked passers by what they thought about the canopy. Not one person said they disliked it.

When I step down from the council in May after more than 42 years of service I look forward to speaking my mind as freely as some of your readers do. But in the meantime I will always welcome local debate.

Councillor BRIAN HALL, Executive Member for Resources