There are very few matters that anger me enough to write to the editor but the absolute chaos of the Bushey Country Club ‘consultation’ and the desire of Hertsmere Borough Council to build a massively unsuitable school and undisclosed number of homes on the well-used and loved site has done so.

I find it exceptionally difficult to believe there has been proper consideration given to the real need for a school at this location. I have no doubt that Hertsmere requires additional secondary school places, however Bushey (with a population of 25,000) already has three well established and large state schools, whilst Borehamwood (with a population of 31,000) has one, Aldenham and Shenley (with a combined population of 14,000) has zero.

It makes little sense to transport students from Borehamwood, Radlett, and surrounding areas to a new mammoth school in Bushey and increase congestion on the already overcrowded roads.

I am struggling to understand what motivation these council leaders have to make the recommendation for this scheme, and not be completely transparent about the amount of housing that they are planning for this site. Why would we, as voters, continue to contribute to consultations if the opinions are so clearly disregarded? This is where common sense and democracy dies.

The Conservative councillors representing this ward, Jane West and Seamus Quilty (who is not only on Hertfordshire County Council but also on Hertsmere Borough Council!) should be ashamed of themselves. Additionally as a Hertsmere asset, the collection of council leaders with portfolio responsibility that encompasses this chaos (John Graham, Harvey Cohen and Paul Morris) need to be held to account and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to clean the house with my next vote.

Thank you for the opportunity to vent my frustration and thank you for your continued coverage of this travesty.

Bridget Arik

By email