ON Monday, February 11, I attended the full Harpenden Town Council Meeting to discover if, as the Liberal Democrats were saying, local democracy had come to an end in Harpenden.

This allegation arose because of their interpretation of recommendations made regarding Committee Structure in the Council.

Contrary to Liberal Democrat belief the new structure actually gives more power to the electorate and their elected Councillors. Under the old structure the standing committees had delegated authority from the Council.

The new Structure passed last Monday gets rid of this delegation. Eight full council meetings a year will replace these committees.

The effect has been to cut out one or two tiers in the decision-making process that can often prolong issues and slow them down. I am sure I am not the only voter who favours a local Council that can rectify local issues quickly and efficiently.

With administration also being cut down with the loss of this tier, the Council should actually be commended for the advance of democracy, for greater efficiency and, in the long run, saving tax payers money.

The Town Council has set into motion a pluralist agenda that can only improve local democracy and more importantly, speed up the often time-consuming democratic process that a centrist approach will always demand.

All too often perceived public opinion is of committees bogged down by heavy rhetoric and total inaction. Speeding up this process can only empower the electorate and show that the system is working to their advantage.

Richard Grenfell-Hill, Chairman, Harpenden North Conservative Association, Wells Close, Harpenden.