Fred Moules wrote to the Gazette and Herald last week and commented on how wonderful it was that so many Malmesbury people had written to the papers recently expressing their views on the market issue.

He also commented that if local councillors had read those letters, they could have gained a valuable insight into what the people thought, considering that virtually nobody attends council meetings to put across their point of view.

Does that not just prove the point of how councillors totally fail us all by not actively seeking out the views of the public either by creating an environment where the general public would be only too pleased to attend and join in, or go out to the public on the street every week and canvass their opinion?

Instead the councillors seem to be stuck in a time warp, held back by ridiculous ritual, tradition and miles of red tape.

The average member of the local population wouldn't even recognise a councillor if passed in the street, let alone had a decent conversation with one.

May I suggest councillors follow the example of the BBC's new iCan web site, especially designed for ordinary people with an interest in social issues.

This includes those who have difficulty in talking with others, or do not have a good grasp of written English, but with the ability to one finger type, they can become an active member of the community and also take part in the political process, previously a domain mainly occupied by the articulate and well-educated.

With a daily or weekly input by all councillors themselves, informing us of their personal opinions and what they are actively trying to do for us, by using their own web site with the addition of a forum, they could gain that valuable insight into what the general public really thinks about local issues.

It's the duty of people who make important decisions to obtain the best information themselves before making a decision and not expect it to fall in their lap or hope any little piece of knowledge will suffice.

D Forward

Hobbes Close

Malmesbury