I must congratulate Mr C Hawtree for taking the trouble to raise the points he did. However, to be put off by the comments of the councillor concerned does worry me.

I, too, was once an "apathetic nobody" but if I, like Mr Hawtree, am not able to call those elected to account, this is surely a concern for everyone in the democracy we live in.

Councillors, MPs and MEPs are elected to represent us. It is our job to make sure the councillors and representatives know how we feel.

I am in regular contact with my local MP from my pre-university days because I have something she wants - my vote.

Let us make our representatives work for our votes.

-Antony Carpen, Seafield Road, Hove