I read in the Advertiser that the local elections will soon be upon us. I have more interest, hand on heart, In walking my dog in the rain. You may wonder why I treat local democracy with such contempt?

Let me explain, as I speak with vast experience as a resident of this town for nearly 43 years.

No matter whoes name you put your x upon, you have as much chance of seeing a change for the better as a polar bear has of dying from sunstroke, a camel dying from frostbite, David Cameron keeping a promise, Ed Miliband shaking hands with his brother, and last but not least, Mr Clegg doing a shift in a Welsh coalmine.

Bill Williams, Merlin Way, Covingham, Swindon