RE Councillor Steve Harker's letter about the local elections in Darlington (HAS, May 11).

As the losing Conservative candidate in Pierremont Ward, having given my all to the campaign, sacrificing my business which is struggling in the town's ever downward spiral into oblivion, and neglecting my family, I am angry at him fumbling figures around in an attempt to detract from the fact that he was in one hell of a fight for what he thought was a very safe seat due to the boundary changes some time ago.

I hope he listens to his leader, Coun John Williams, who now says he and his cabinet will listen to the people of Darlington, something they should have been doing for years.

There are a lot of people in the Pierremont Ward who do not want New Labour rule and whose views are not listened to. So that is your wake up call, Coun Harker - look after all voters.

I thank the people of Pierremont Ward for listening to me and voting for me. It hurts me I cannot realise the promises made to them.

Tim Hinton-Clifton, Conservative Candidate, Pierremont Ward, Darlington.