In response to a letter about Mill Road (The Argus, September 12), I have forgotten nothing and fully accept that council officers put in a lot of work to help with safety ideas for this road.

Councillor Ann Norman and myself had been asking on and off for more than five years for a reduced speed limit and extra safety for pedestrians crossing Mill Road to gain access to Waterhall and the South Downs.

Our requests were consistently knocked back for various legal and traffic order reasons, which I described as petty bureaucracy. This was not a hit at officers but on the laws and regulations by which council officers are guided when making their recommendations to councillors.

Phil Clarke says I had proposed unviable and potentially less safe options, which is not true. I am always open to suggestions from officers as I accept they are the people with the knowledge and expertise.

I understand the principles of liability and enforcement.

Most council officers with whom I have worked will probably be just as astonished as I am with Mr Clarke’s letter as I go out of my way to show respect and confidence in their ability to support and advise.

If I had been as disrespectful to him when he was in office as he has been to me I could have been reported.

I feel I deserve an apology from him for his letter, which is not very becoming of someone who held office in our council.

Councillor Ken Norman, Conservative, Withdean Ward, Brighton and Hove City Council