IN recent weeks we have seen the Rev Fitchet (Labour), and Mr Sumner (UKIP) attacking the Local Lib Dems from both the left and the right.

Which probably means us Lib Dems are doing something right. I say this publicly and in sadness, not in anger. Rev Fitchet and Mr Sumner please put your national politics aside for the good of our community. Your view of Lib Dem actions through the prism of the old politics is especially sad, Rev Fitchet, after we worked so closely together during the EU referendum for the Remain campaign.

In contrast, a knife in the back is all but expected from UKIP.

The Rev Fitchet, pictured, has made recent comments about the Andover Town Council’s lack of action. I humbly suggest it is lack of good leadership that has lead us to this point, along with the hankering for power and appointment that has obscured the needs of our town.

Further I suggest the Rev Fitchet worries less about the internal workings of the Lib Dems and more about the infighting in his own party, where we see — on a regular basis — a culling of front benchers who dare to challenge Corbyn and Momentum. The Liberal Democrats on the other hand are a broad church and we actively encourage debate.

The clue is in the name; we are ‘Democrats’.

On the subject of Mr Sumner (UKIP) and his vitriolic and insulting comments: no one has the right to question my patriotism, least of all you, Mr Sumner. Myself and a few friends promote Britishness in our community more than all of ‘your lot’ put together — without involving politics — like our upcoming Andover Proms in Vigo Park involving Tory, Labour, Lib Dem and Greens and all for local charities. That’s how it should be Mr Sumner, and may I say a lack of UKIP involvement is very telling indeed.

As far as the Lib Dem Shop goes we have had little opposition. Quite the opposite. A number of people have commented publicly how good it is to see a political party opening their doors and listening to local people, especially when it’s not even election time.

Two Lib Dem councillors, myself and Cllr Kidd, use the shop on Andover High Street on Saturdays to host a surgery so that constituents can pop in. We can help solve their local issues. Mr Sumner is welcome to come in for a chat and a cup of tea if we can help him solve a local issue. Saturday 12noon to 2pm.

Cllr Richard Rowles, of Andover Town Council