SIR: I would hope that, as well as branding the turn out at the local election "a disgrace", Councillor Norman Critchley endeavours to inquire constructively into and addresses reasons for this "apathy" (BEN May 8).

For example, perhaps candidates could have waged a more scintillating and up front campaign. In my part of Kearsley, save for the Liberal "Focus" leaflet through my letterbox, I would not have known an election was in the offing. Where were the Labour or Conservative leaflets or canvassers? Where was the evidence of dynamic attempts to stir the voters?

In many wards it is difficult if not impossible to dislodge a candidate, however unsatisfactory that person might be. A large, semi-permanent, political party of any persuasion is not a good idea in either local or national politics. it makes candidates complacent.

I would also point out that the difference of eight votes between the Liberal and Labour candidates in Kearsley WAS a significant and determined attempt by local people to show their disagreement with the attitude towards redevelopment in Kearsley exhibited by the Labour Cllr Spencer. A failure to vote can convey as telling a message as casting a vote.

P A Grimshaw

Church Street, Kearsley

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