CANDIDATE apathy has again been a winner at the local elections. Nothing has changed since the last county elections.

Only one candidate bothered to canvas in our ward. Entering the polling station I discovered the existence of three other candidates, but by then they had lost their chance to convince me of anything.

Standing for election means going out and meeting people, convincing them of your point of view and of your ability to fulfil an exhausting programme, if elected.

I can only conclude that many candidates didn't really want to be elected and are just going through the motions.

It may be that turnout at local elections is weak, and candidates are reticent to canvas for fear of repeated rejection on the doorstep.

If that is true, what chance do such candidates think they will have in the debating chamber, if elected?

I urge all candidates in future elections, local or national, to make an effort to send some communications to their electors, and to actively canvas on doorsteps, so that everyone has a chance to know who they are and what they intend to do.

The failure of some people to do so on this occasion has not only wasted their own time and money, but has been another nail in democracy's coffin.

PHILIP DODD, Normans Lane, Stoke Prior, Leominster.