Letter to the Editor: Mr Preest suggests a variety of reasons for a likely drop in both candidates in and for the coming local elections. 

He suggests a few years learning the ropes at local level before moving up the ladder. 

Surely he means before getting a more lucrative position in local government! 

Our MP has certainly achieved this in national government but is he proud to serve this area? 

In my opinion he has done very little to help the Forest of Dean.

Mr Preest says he is worried about the future for Lydney Town Council, “ hey are already four or five light” – has anyone noticed the difference? 

Who are our local council representatives, do we see any of them actually knocking on our doors when begging for our votes at elections.  

All we seem to get are more leaflets pushed through our letterboxes with yet more promises, your leaflet included Mr Preest. 

Yes, there certainly is “a bitterness out there“. 

My only involvement with LTC was a very acrimonious dispute resulting in a lot of money going on legal fees by both sides, the loss of the Town Clerk and the resignation of several councillors, one of whom still pops up to say what a bad bunch the present lot are. 

We all remember the chaos in Lydney installing the hugely wasteful cycle tracks. 

That went well, all we need now is to see the cyclists.  

Would it be fair to say, so many of the decisions made by all levels have little appeal to voters.

I used to think politicians at all levels worked for our common good, whatever party they represented.  Not any more.  

G Brown, Lydney