YOUR correspondent Mr Edwards, local solicitor should get his facts right.

The statement issued by Cllr Gerry Ellis and myself referred to widespread rumours concerning the nature of the development taking place at Meols Drive.

In that statement we said that if those rumours were true concerning the possibility of violent and/or sexual offenders being housed there, we would oppose such a use and we believe that in that eventuality we would have had the support of residents who we represent.

We stressed in our statement that these were only rumours and that we would ask council officers to seek a meeting with the owners of the site to clarify the position.

Nowhere in our statement was there any reference made to adults with learning disabilities, and to suggest otherwise is highly offensive.

The meeting we asked the officers to arrange has now taken place and the purpose of the home was explained.

Because the existing planning permission constricts the use of the site to the care of the elderly and mentally infirm, officers pointed out that the new proposals would require planning permission because of the changed status of the occupants.

We certainly hope this planning application is made so that residents and other interested parties can have their legal right to comment in support, or otherwise of the application.

Mr Edwards should understand that one of the duties of a councillor, when concerns and fears are raised by our constituents, is to determine the facts and see that proper procedures are followed and the rights of all parties protected.

This is what your councillors will continue to do.

Cllr John Hale, Hoylake and Meols ward.