SIR: I totally agree with Steve Brine's comments about the need for Winchester politicians to end years of indecision (Chronicle, Letter from Westminster, August 27).

In my 13 years as MP I failed to resolve the dispute about the lower High Street development and now 20 years later nothing has been built. That’s a disgrace and lets down the local community as well as costing vast sums of money and time.

Steve is right to call for better local leadership and vision. Often winning seats at the next local election is more important than taking tough long term decisions for the city. Lib Dems and Conservative politicians should be locked in the Guildhall together until they can present a united vision and strategy that sets out how Winchester can be a great leading city once again.

Mark Oaten,

Winchester MP 1997-2010,

The Lane,

Ifold,

West Sussex