I REFER to the article of Thursday, January 22, in which Martyn Underhill spoke about the importance of independent candidates at the forthcoming local elections in May.

As a true independent councillor of over 30 years and the only councillor who has tried to continually challenge the Conservative controlled Christchurch council at meetings and in the press I would urge anyone living or working in the borough who is truly interested in keeping Christchurch the borough we all love and cherish to seriously consider standing as an independent candidate at the elections in May.

It is important that our borough is run by people who are not being controlled by a small group of councillors and not taking into account the wishes of its residents and in some cases other members of their own party.

Independent councillors make decisions without political interference and can speak for the people not the party.

If you are someone who would genuinely like to play a more active and positive role in our community and speak out for the residents on issues in a more positive and unfettered way please consider standing as an independent councillor.

Anyone interested can contact me through my home address and telephone number, 01202 482214, or my council email cllr.cbungey@christchurch.gov .uk

I would also urge those interested to attend the meeting in Wimborne at the Arndale Centre on Friday, February 13 at 7.00pm.

CLLR COLIN BUNGEY, 14 Maundeville Crescent, Christchurch