Dear Editor - The electorate would like to know why both the chairman and the Independent group leader with his cabinet did not have the power, or knowledge, to make a decision that satisfied the needs and aspirations of the local residents, as in the Prospect Place case.

The elected county councillors are the people who represent the electorate, the taxpayers, not the chief executive and directors of departments, so who has the real power? Is it the elector or the chief executive?

The chief executive has no control over policy, as this is the function of the councillors.

There is no reason why, in a small county like Pembrokeshire, his function could not be carried out by the county solicitor or county treasurer.

There is no comparison with his role and the role of a chief executive in commerce or industry.

The electorate and taxpayers are not paid to monitor the performance of any local government officer, that is the overall responsibility of the elected councillors.

When is the group of independent councillors going to take proper control of the council?

John Davis Birchfield, Bulford Road, Johnston.