IN response to Mrs Chappell (Letters, July 12), I have been consistent throughout the current disputes in calling for a negotiated settlement.
Before the July 11 deadline I said the council should withdraw its threat to sack staff and the unions should stop their action.
Like most residents, I know that every other council in the country has found ways of dealing with the Government imposed cuts without threatening to sack their staff and without making their cities filthy.
Only Southampton has ended up in this mess. It must still be possible to find a way forward that is fair to local residents and fair to staff.
JOHN DENHAM, Labour MP Southampton Itchen.
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