I AM grateful to the town clerk for reinforcing my argument concerning democracy. The only information that most people will have seen about the forthcoming elections was when (if) they read his letter in the Journal on Thursday evening, October 12.

Anyone interested in standing as a candidate then had to collect the relevant forms from the council offices, seek nominees from the ward, and return all the information to Wychavon District Council in Pershore by noon on Friday, October 13; the deadline for nominations.

Politicians from all parties are concerned about the general lack of interest in politics: many people do not even bother to vote. Could it be that people are feeling disenfranchised by a system that appears to discourage their participation and is therefore increasingly remote?

I also urge both councils to actively seek ways to improve the information they publish about the working of the councils and how people could participate, so that in future it is:

a) Much more widely available and accessible by all members of the community.

b) Clearly sets out the nomination process, to encourage more people to become involved.

MRS A Fairclough, Church Street, Evesham.