However, it does give the people of Bowden and Arden the chance to move away from the Conservative administration that seems to consider their opinions to be an irritation rather than a guiding force. Those who attended the recent public meeting in Great Bowden were treated to Mr Swatridge’s written views of us ‘little people’ and were further astonished by a Conservative defence of a senior council official who failed to attend.

The current administration seems happy to meekly follow the council executive’s view that the district would run more efficiently without the constant interference of the public. The story of the acting council leader’s apparent decision on parking charges prior to public consultation is a case in point. From the chief executive down, they have forgotten who pays the wages. The opportunity now is not to vote for another complacent Tory but for someone who will work for the people and remind the council who works for who!

Andrew Johnson,

Great Bowden Rd, Harborough.