SIR – I continue to be an attentive reader of the WHT, both online and in print. I appreciate your recent coverage of local issues. Now that the political party conferences in Birmingham, Manchester and Bournemouth are drawing to a close, I reflect that

SIR - I continue to be an attentive reader of the WHT, both online and in print.

I appreciate your recent coverage of local issues.

Now that the political party conferences in Birmingham, Manchester and Bournemouth are drawing to a close, I reflect that these have aired some of the contemporary problems featured in your paper.

I attended one of these conferences as a voting delegate and participated in consultative sessions, debates, fringe meetings and policy discussions.

This has again convinced me that the party political process is essential for a healthy democracy and a solution of current problems.

I would therefore urge your readers to join a political party if they are not already a member. I believe we all have a democratic duty to do so.

Michael Humphreys,

Ellenbrook Lane,

Hatfield.