I READ with interest the letter from RC Williams (Debaters are distant November 23) about district councillors taking coffee and biscuits during the Area Meeting on November 13.

Many councillors work long hours during the day, and then give their time in the evenings working for the good of the local people they represent.

They usually attend a pre-meeting of their political group. This means they can be in the town hall for four hours

Perhaps we should remember that the practice of leaving the chamber during meetings to stave off hunger or attend to other business is not just confined to local politics.

Many of our representatives at Westminster vote at the end of debates at which they have not been present at all.

It is easy to criticise perhaps a little more praise would help.

Andrew Noblet

Vice-Chair, North Wiltshire

Liberal Democrats