I AM totally appalled at the spate of recent letters in your newspaper, attacking Councillor Jim Caunce. He has served his council ward with dignity and conscientiousness over the past half-century and deserves some respect for this.

A man who has been Mayor of St Helens twice, as well as being chairman, on a number of occasions, of the former Haydock UDC, Jim Caunce has given a lifetime of public service and is surely entitled to something better than cheap shots.

Obviously, local politicians should be accountable to their residents and accept criticism -- provided that criticism is constructive.

Although I am on the opposite side of the political divide, Councillor Caunce has helped me (a recent newcomer to town hall business) to settle in to the complexities of council life. He has given me sound advice on procedural matters and never allowed his dearly-held Labour principles to get in the way.

I would strongly recommend to the person who has anonymously attacked Councillor Caunce that he puts himself on the line and offers to serve his community for the next 50 years. If he can do it with the dignity and dedication that Jim Caunce has always displayed, he will have done a very good job.

Keep going, Jim!

WALLY Ashcroft, Conservative councillor, Windle Ward.