THANK you for Spectator’s Notes (D&S Times, Apr 22).

My attention was caught by the headline “Pointed comments about PCCs”. Why, I wondered, was the Darlington & Stockton Times concerned about the state of parochial church councils which are being elected around this time of year?

The only item I have so far seen or heard about any other PCC elections is a card received some weeks ago informing me that I am registered to vote in an election for a Police and Crime Commissioner.

I had largely forgotten about this as it is an office that I am still not convinced is necessary or desirable for one person to hold.

Far from having any “colour” brought to the debate here in Aldbrough St John, there has been a massive silence and the whole process has been entirely invisible.

In fact, your article was the first I knew of there being any candidates at all. So thank you, D&S, for keeping me informed but I am tempted, as last time, to spoil my ballot paper in protest over this fatuous, money wasting election.

Janet Hall, Aldbrough St John

I WAS surprised to learn that elections are once again to be held for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire. I thought that this flawed, expensive and less democratic arrangement where power is vested in one individual would be scrapped.

I was even more surprised to learn that Julia Mulligan will be standing again for re-election.

In her term in office, she has failed to listen to the public and to be an independent voice. In the debacle over a new police headquarters, which she led, over £620,000 of local taxpayers money was wasted on an ill-conceived scheme.

Did she apologise for her failure to listen and appalling lack of judgement? Of course not. I would urge voters to look elsewhere.

Barry A Hitchen, South Kilvington, Nr Thirsk