I wonder how many people beside myself see no place for national party politics in local government?

I believe all councillors' decisions should be based upon what they know, or believe, to be the wish of the majority of the constituents they represent.

Party politics clearly has a place in national government, but it seems the idea of a councillor being forced to vote in a particular way on any local issue solely because of allegiance to a national party is undemocratic. All too often real local needs come second to making political party points.

It may be that councillors carrying national political party labels would find it much more difficult to be elected without the support of the parties. If so, the funding of local election expenses should be reformed to encourage more independent candidates to stand for election. In this way I believe the quality and cost effectiveness of local government would be improved.

Jim Belk,

Esmead,

Chippenham.