I take it the local by-elections are coming up, as leaflets pop through the letterbox constantly bearing names of councillors and candidates I have never heard of.

How is it we get a sudden surge of requests for support when usually this is the only time we realise they exist? We may see a photo of who was elected, then suddenly they disappear into the mist.

This is not, however, true for Dawn Barnett, councillor in Hangleton, who frequently appears in the Press, always for good reasons.

Whether in welfare and safety issues for residents or the support and defence of the elderly, since elected she has made an enormous improvement in the lives of residents in the area she is responsible for and I sincerely hope these same people will remember her achievements and vote in her support.

It makes such a change to see a councillor active in their ward in this way, in contrast to the bad publicity we see for others, which is really the only time we realise they exist.

Listening to Dawn is not enough. We should go out and vote for her as well.

  • Name and address supplied