• AS a frequent correspondent and reader of New Journal letters, I am struck by the almost complete failure of Camden councillors, especially those in the cabinet, to respond to queries.

Many of the letters ask about matters that, I suspect, they would rather not be in the public domain.

Perhaps they are discussed in the secret monthly meetings of the Labour group or secret officer briefings to ward councillors, but certainly not told to us mere residents who pay our taxes to pay for their personal and bicycle “allowances”.

Perhaps many councillors themselves are unaware of the issues.

Here are three for Gospel Oak:

• Why is the homes regeneration programme for West Kentish Town reportedly about to start when there has been a vacant building site, Bacton Low Rise, for almost 10 years; indeed why has it been 10 years?

• Why are there hundreds of empty garage and some empty council buildings when there is demand and thus income for them?

In the example of garages, 60 under Ludham have been vacant for over 45 years and the housing office in Weedington Road empty for over 30 months, yet a local food bank has been desperately seeking larger premises to meet the increased demand since June last year.

• Why have some “community centres” been given free rent and free facilities while others pay high rent and rates and have fully repairing leases? In one local case £50k per year.

Even the royal family now realise they have to respond to alleged “malfeasance”. However, Camden Council sticks to its policy of “never apologise, never explain”.

MICK FARRANT, NW5