FOURTEEN volunteers say they are willing to stand as independent candidates for the next district and county council elections in the wake of the destruction of the trees in Devizes Market Place.

Devizes Guardians, the residents' group set up after the controversial felling on October 7, said it is delighted with the response from the questionnaire that was handed out to the estimated 350 people who attended a public meeting in the Corn Exchange on November 8.

In a newsletter published this week, the group said that 142 people signed their name on the attendance sheet or filled in questionnaires. Some 82 returned their questionnaires and, of them, 75 supported the idea of the Devizes Guardians continuing with its work concerning the future of the town.

Of them, 47 are willing to help run the group, and 62 are willing to pay a small subscription.

Fourteen people expressed an interest in standing for council election and 49 are willing to help with an election campaign.

Judy Rose, who edited the newsletter, said: "Such reinvigorated interest in the political process, if translated into action, can only be beneficial to local democracy. By opinion poll and electoral standards, this amount of response, out of a group of 350 people, is very satisfactory. Indeed, if Kennet had been able to muster such a number at any of its consultation meetings, it would have been more than delighted."

The next district and county council elections take place in 2003.

Mrs Rose says the group is still struggling to get answers from Kennet District Council about the events of October 7. She says it received 'a most unpleasant and vituperative' reply to a letter sent to council leader Coun Jerry Willmott.

Mrs Rose said in the newsletter: "Its contents are of such an angry nature that it is safe to say that Mr Willmott hasn't got the message yet. It is a very sad letter, as he makes no attempt to be constructive and clearly feels that he is the wronged party."

Protesters had called for Mr Willmott's resignation after contractors moved in before 6am on a Sunday morning to fell the trees, despite his assurances that nothing underhand would be done by the council.

Devizes Guardians can be contacted care of 91 Avon Road, Devizes SN10 1PT.