THE declaration of “war” on page six of last week’s Advertiser has prompted me to respond to Richard Kidd’s letter of the week before.

He is, of course, right to call for more restraint from local councillors when dealing with others, including from differing political parties.

However, I fear that with the General Election due in May next year, as well as local elections for Test Valley and Andover Town Councils, there will inevitably be some friction.

Electors should, of course, hear from all the parties about their plans and I note that there are already some suggestions being put forward. And with all the political parties having local representatives at some level here in Andover their track record will provide one means by which to judge them.

It is also reasonable to expect others to challenge the effectiveness and achievability of any of these plans.

Doing so is a normal part of the political process and I encourage everyone to have their say in these matters.

Richard is also right about the need for harmony. My own experience at all levels of local government is that for a large part politicians can and do work together. Of course there will always be the inevitable confrontations that show not all parties are the same. It wouldn’t be democracy without such differences.

David Drew, Andover