Sir, – On May 7, elections will take place in Hambleton district. This year there will be a difference as the number of councillors is being reduced from 44 to 28. This reduction in councillors gives an opportunity to bring an end to many years of domination by the Conservative group on this council who have always enjoyed a very large majority of Conservative members. For a district council to be held to account, it needs opposition councillors. A 50/50 mix of Conservative and others either independent, Labour, Lib Dem, Ukip and others would make a better council. Major decisions that in the past have affected the electorate, the likes of car parking charges as an example and many more, could if they were thought to be the wrong decision be stopped at the full council meeting.

Just look at York as an example. No single party has all their own way. 21 Labour and 26 others. All that would be needed in Hambleton is for 14 councillors that are not Conservatives to be elected to make a real difference. No more domination by the Conservative group. So anyone who wants to make a difference put yourself forward in the ward you live in as a district councillor. Too many wards in Hambleton are not contested. We need more candidates and we also need more voters - for many years now the turnout at local elections has been as low as 25 per cent in some wards. Lets take notice of the Scotland referendum, get out and vote and make a difference.

ANDREW ROBINSON

Borrowby, Thirsk.