SINCE you have allowed the Labour Group two letters and the Conservatives one to extol their views on a postal election and on their candidate for the Hambleden Valley by-election, I hope in the interest of your political impartiality, you will allow the third candidate an opportunity.

For the record, with a few reservations and safeguards, I was in favour of the proposed postal ballot experiment. Essentially, because it would give more people, more time, in the comfort of their own home to make their decision in the light of the information presented.

They could also pop the outcome into their local post box which is generally closer than the voting station at their convenience. Result, a more considered and higher turnout, with perhaps people voting on each candidate's ability, experience and effectiveness, rather than for any old candidate with a national political party colour and label.

Hambleden Valley is next to unique among Wycombe District Council's wards, with its own particular set of needs and problems. Does it not deserve individual competence from its councillor before anything else? Indeed why does local government need national party politics at all?

It only suppresses local government's freedom to act in the local best interest. So this is one David prepared to take on the national might of the political goliaths for what he believes in.

David Coe

Frieth Road

Marlow