This is an open letter to Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis.

I am writing as a concerned Kingston resident, who was greatly dismayed by your response, after many anxious Kingston residents met in the market with regard to the St George’s planning application for a high-rise development in our town centre.

You tweeted: “Lesson number one of campaigning is don’t upset people in power.”

I feel that your comments demonstrate a frightening attitude that seemed to give the suggestion that you have forgotten the meaning of democracy – a system of Government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

I think that you would be wise to remember that you are only in power because the people have allowed you to be.

You have the responsibility to do what you can to represent all of your constituents while you are fortunate enough to hold a leadership role.

We, as constituents, also have the right to peacefully object without vague threats about upsetting those in power.

Unlike you, Mr Davis, I do not belong to, nor am I affiliated to, any political party, and my objections to irresponsible development are based on common sense and the common good – rather than any political motivation.

I can see that development is an inevitable element of any urban centre and I, like most residents, am excited to see plans to revitalise Kingston.

I refuse to accept, however, that development should come at any cost.

The people of Kingston, Coombe, Norbiton, Tolworth, Surbiton, Old and New Malden, Motspur Park, Hook, Chessington, Malden Rushett and Kingston Vale need to tell their councillors and the planning officers what they actually want in their town centre and, should they wish to object to high-rise developments, as I have, they are free to sign the petition at change.org.

CATHY PUGH Via email