Please allow me to respond to the short articles in The Sentinel concerning the cabinet-style system of local government.

Quite rightly they state that this is now fully implemented by Worthing Borough Council.

All the criticisms voiced by The Sentinel were made by councillors from both political groups represented on the council and, indeed, we were in agreement that we wanted to retain the old committee system.

Unfortunately, a dictatorial Government would not let us. Unlike Adur, we are too large to be allowed to retain the committee system and we were not prepared, like Brighton and Hove, to waste council taxpayers' money having a referendum on an elected mayor.

The Sentinel's criticisms are, however, a little unfair because, since May, when we took over, we have allowed much more open discussion at executive meetings and executive member meetings. Sadly, there are seldom members of the Press present to hear.

The Sentinel's views on community forums have also been voiced. Those held so far have been carefully structured to encourage positive contributions rather than the "bee-in-the-bonnet" types.

Let us hope the Government will see the error of its ways and allow us to restore a committee system. But I don't advise The Sentinel to hold its breath.

-John Lovell, Deputy Leader, Worthing Borough Council, Sunningdale Road, Worthing