THROUGH your paper, I would like to sincerely thank those who turned out in sufficient numbers to return me as the county councillor for Alnwick last Thursday.
It is a great honour and a heavy responsibility to represent this town in local government, especially in view of the impending demise of district councils and the burden that will be placed on the new unitary authority.
The turnout was disappointin
gly low, but the message I got was of some annoyance that a new council was being imposed upon the people of Alnwick against their clearly expressed wishes, and for this reason I can understand why many stayed at home rather than participate in an unwanted upheaval in local government.
However, we must make the best of it, and I undertake to do the best I can for our town, listening carefully to residents and keeping them informed. I will also attend immediately to some unsatisfactory local matters brought to my attention while out campaigning.
I particularly thank those who assisted me during the election, especially Lorna Gilroy for her invaluable clerical support and Tommy McKie, owner of Copperfields, who promoted my candidature vigorously and effectively.
I also commiserate with my main opponent, Mrs Heather Cairns of the Liberal Democrats, who fought a very determined and impressively organised campaign.
Coun Gordon Castle,
Blakelaw Road,
Alnwick
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