I WAS disappointed by Phil North’s comments regarding the Andover Town Council budget.

If he had attended the council meeting and listened to the debate he would know it was approved overwhelmingly as essential to ensure the council has sufficient money to meet its legal and other requirements.

His bizarre claim that the town council has been taken over by Liberal Democrats masquerading as Independents is false. The town council is comprised of community focused individuals, working as a team in the best interests of the town. While some are Liberal Democrats, others are members of other parties, or none at all.

All the Andover town councillors are open about their party political allegiance.

They are unpaid volunteers who sit and act independently, as do many Conservatives in town and parish councils across Hampshire. Town and parish councillors put aside political differences and work together to provide services and represent local people. It is unfortunate local Conservatives refuse to do the same.

Cllr North’s attacks are unjustified and unhelpful, degrading him, his party and the borough council.

Cllr Len Gates, Linton Drive, Andover