IT is quite remarkable how, in unguarded moments, great truths emerge.

To the discerning listener, this occurred at the Herefordshire Council meeting on Friday, December 12 when for the first time, the meeting was filmed and recorded by a member of the public.

How revealing that proved to be!

It was announced that filming would continue provided it did not interfere with procedure. Note that it was not said filming would be discontinued if uncomfortable truths were revealed!

We can all now see the leader of this administration revealing on camera the true agenda of this Tory administration which is to oversee the decline of the historic core of the city.

That is what he intimated when he said that the city centre has been dying on its feet for years.

And that was signalled in their plans for the old market. It was effectively planning blight which heralded the problems for the historic centre, not its own viability.

The plans of the previous administration were for a civic and cultural quarter. This would have been complementary and unthreatening to the historic centre.

Independent small businesses, the life blood of any thriving and distinctive retail quarter, could see the writing on the wall from the start.

Many decided to pack up and go. With proper support from a local council, and sympathetic planning, it is independent retailers that make any town or city viable, give it its special character and help make it attractive for both residents and visitors.

CLLR CHARLES NICHOLLS It’s Our County, Fayre Oaks Home Park, Hereford