Sir, - Why do residents register on the electoral role these days? Is it purely to gain a credit status address, or, as I was brought up, to be part of the democratic process and be able to vote for people with my interests at heart?

Considering the cost of wages etc for two officers to man each polling station, and all the underlying costs prior to, at and after the count, I wonder what each vote cost in the Hipswell ward in which I stood as a candidate.

There are 1,906 registered electors and a 17pc turnout was recorded by the returning officer. Why so low? I live and work alongside the largest Garrison in Europe and have worked endlessly to achieve more integration between civilians and the military.

There are many fine examples of the ongoing work, the new swimming pool complex for instance, but of the 1,320 registered residents on the Garrison in the Hipswell Ward, 3pc actually voted. I put a questionnaire in every letterbox about local issues with a free post return and received seven from the Garrison houses, 25 from the rest of the ward of 586.

As a Conservative in a Conservative-held constituency, I am delighted with the local and national results, but am sorry to have lost by just 23 votes. Hopefully the odd alliance of a Lib Dem and a RIG (Labour) will serve the ward, but I hope they will be held to their promises.

As I sit on the Richmondshire Local Strategic Partnership representing community engagement and businesses, and the military is also a member of that partnership, I hope a way forward can be found to engage more Garrison residents in the local democracy in which they live and work.

MELVA J STECKLES

Parish councillor,

Catterick Garrison.

Hail and farewell

Sir, - With an Option for Change town council now in place in Middleham, I would like to pay tribute to the long-serving Coun Sheila Webster, who was not re-elected.

She produced an excellent and pertinent manifesto. Her dedicated attitude to the solving of problems has been a great credit to her.

She also is involved in many good causes, such as Border Collie Rescue and Middleham Christmas Fair, and is president of East Witton WI, so it has not always been an easy attending many town council meetings during a very difficult time when the Moor Lease was being re-negotiated, and in the aftermath of the Rural Challenge.

Well done, Sheila, and we hope the Famous Five will be able to live up to your shining example.

I would also like to thank Coun Anne Williamson who did not stand for re-election, but whose service for so long on the town council as a member, and latterly as mayor of Middleham, was impeccable. Her tenure also saw many changes in Middleham, and it was at times difficult to strike the correct balance, but this she managed in an outstanding fashion.

Coun Peter Swales, last but not least, who did not stand for re-election, we also thank for all he has done for Middleham, both in office and privately in business.

He has seen many changes since he settled here, as have we old inhabitants, not always meeting the approval of everyone, but in spite of the racing fraternity being anxious to claim all the credit for beneficial changes, a great deal of thanks must go to the hard-working business people of the town like him.

The new council has much to live up to and we shall be monitoring it closely as its settles down to business in the coming months.

The name and address of the new town clerk, when appointed, would be something all Middleham inhabitants would be interested to have in their diaries.

AUDREY WAUDBY

Westwood House,

Middleham.

Thanks for support

Sir, - I write on behalf of the Vote for Change Group elected to Middleham Town Council at the local elections on Thursday of last week.

I would like to thank the electors of Middleham for turning out in such impressive numbers (49.8pc) and for giving us their support.

We stood on the basis of being open and honest, welcoming the views and participation of the electorate and working with all other local groups. We hope that all the problems and disharmony of the past can at last be put to rest, and that the community can move forward as a united body to face the challenges of the future.

TAMMI TOLHURST

Vote for Change Group,

Middleham Grange,

Middleham.

Sir, - I would like to thank all the residents of Topcliffe ward for re-electing me to represent them at Hambleton District Council. Although the turn-out at 39pc was not brilliant, it was most gratifying that 78pc of voters were confident in supporting me.

I renew my pledge to work for the entire ward ,which now includes Skipton-on-Swale.

Coun NEVILLE HUXTABLE

Conservative,

Hambleton District Council.

Sir, - Through your letters page may I thank all those people who voted for the Liberal Democrat candidates in Leyburn and Bolton Castle ward.

While we were only successful in returning one new councillor in Leyburn ward, we made many new friends during the campaign and we are sure that we will do better on the next occasion.

JOHN WEEDON

Chairman,

Wensleydale Liberal Democrats.

Sir, - I would like to thank the electors of Northallerton Central Ward for their valued support and for giving me a mandate to continue to represent them as a member on both Hambleton District Council and Northallerton Town Council.

I look forward to working for and with the community again to make a difference to the lives of all Northallerton Central Ward residents.

Coun TONY HALL

Meadow Close,

Northallerton.