I READ with interest the letter from 'Independent Thinker' (Citizen, April 10). Is he or she really saying that every decision reached by the council is motivated by party politics? A lot of hard working and conscientious councillors may take strong issue with such a remark.

I am glad to note, however, that the writer acknowledged that 'independents' are not infallible. With a council tax increase of 48 per cent over four years and an official projection of a further 20 per cent increase for 2004-5, I would think the point was valid.

Some adherents of the controlling Independents are claiming this election to be independent of any political party, yet they use literature from a registered political party called The Morecambe Bay Independents.

They should all remember that if one walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and acts like a duck, then.

The desirability of the council maintaining its services is very pertinent when there are now fewer productive assets in city council ownership than ever before and council properties are increasingly suffering from disrepair. Perhaps the independent group has just been practising for the past four years and intend in future to do the job properly.

I agree with the statement 'local politics for local people'. We are all local residents with a stake and a belief in our district, and we intend to do our best to improve it.

I am sure that 'independent thinker' sincerely believes in what he or she says. So do I - but I am also willing to sign my name and show my true colours.

John Battersby-Hill, Conservative Candidate for Heysham Central Ward