Green councillors Lorna Russell and Sian Berry

• I WAS sorry to see your report that Lorna Russell had decided to leave the Labour Party, (Exclusive: Deputy mayor defects from Labour to the Greens, October 14).

I knew Lorna, I campaigned with her, and I liked her. I still do, she has an infectious laugh and a warm smile.

But I find it hard to understand why she would leave Labour. I read through her statement, but it was – to be frank – a little unconvincing.

Her criticisms of our party at a national level are one thing, although not particularly coherent. Her criticism of our party at a local level seems misplaced.

Take two of the issues she raised: rising crime and increased traffic.

Yes, crime is a real issue and one that we take very seriously indeed. I know for a fact that in my own ward, Kentish Town, both Sir Keir Starmer and council leader Georgia Gould have gone to sit with families who have lost children through knife attacks; doing all they can to console the bereaved.

They have worked with the police to try to halt these tragic attacks as well as tackling less serious crimes. More needs to be done, but a great deal comes down to the cuts in police numbers by the Tory government.

As for traffic, I have seen for myself what Camden Council is doing. One small example: the closure to traffic on Grafton Road.

I know this has not been universally popular. I questioned it at first. But it has made a real difference to the traffic flowing through an area with many homes and working class estates. They can all now breathe easier as a result and the road is safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

A number of green measures Labour has introduced are not welcomed by everyone.

I have spoken to people on estates who earn their living from their vans. They have been less than enthusiastic about replacing them because they are fuelled by diesel. We need to listen to them and take their concerns seriously.

But the planet needs to be protected and so do the lungs of children and vulnerable people. A balance has to be struck.

I am immensely proud of the green measures Camden Council has already taken and more will follow. But it is essential that we take our community with us as we do so.

That’s why Camden established the first citizens’ climate assembly in the country. Ordinary men and women meet, discuss the issues, and help us find the appropriate way forward.

MARTIN PLAUT, NW5