CLLR Jeff Osborn and his supporters are a little too indignant about my previous letter about the future of Trowbridge as the county town.

I suspect Cllr Osborn is deliberately muddying the water again though, because he knows very well that I did not say the post of mayor attracted a salary.

I referred to local councillors at district and town level in my comment about pay and allowances. If town councillors receive no allowances or expenses whatsoever, then I was wrong to include them and I am sorry if I upset some of the local worthies.

Coming to the point about me standing as a candidate at local elections, many people have said this before, but my answers are first that I am now 70, which is far too old as we need young blood, and second, that I would not wish to be subservient to any political party.

If I did ever accept backing from a party, I would feel bound to remain loyal to it, unlike Cllr Osborn who changed horses when it suited his political ambitions.

His cheap remark about what I have done is uncalled for. He knows from our conversation when he visited me while canvassing my vote before the last election that I served my country at home and abroad for more than 40 years. My record will stand comparison with his any day.

In conclusion, one wonders if a town the size of Trowbridge really needs a mayor. An old gentleman pottering about is not going to keep the magistrates court, or the county record office here or recover the lost cinema that we need so badly.

It all reinforces my contention that we need young, able people to enter local politics, but where will they come from with so many other demands on their time from career and family?

D ROBERTS,

Biss Meadow,

Trowbridge.