I WOULD like to thank all those people who voted in last week’s Hexham Town Council by-election.

The turn-out of 43 per cent was very encouraging, and points to the fact that, here in Hexham, residents are interested in what happens in the town, and are willing to take the time to go and vote.

I congratulate also the winning candidate and wish him well, and commiserate with the other candidate, who, like me, did not win.

It is an irony of our election system that the newly-elected town councillor was elected by a minority of those who voted. So much for our first past the post system of elections! No wonder the country is nowhere near as successful as it could be!

I look forward to reading reports of Coun. Allan’s active involvement in the many local issues in Leazes ward, as well as in the town more generally.

There is a great deal that needs to be done, and we desperately need active and engaged councillors who will show interest and leadership in the problems facing us.

PETER ARNOLD,

Liberal Democrat
candidate,

Leazes ward,

Hexham