The recent by-election for the MHDC councillor to represent the Alfrick and Lulsley ward was won by the Liberal Democrats with a narrow majority over the Conservatives of just nine votes.

UKIP won 46 votes and this certainly contributed to the Lib Dem success. UKIP voters have therefore achieved a uniquely negative result in this important by-election.

Hopefully this hard lesson will not be repeated in next year's General Election.

John Stocks, Alexandra Road, Malvern.