JOHN Richardson makes an attempt at bad-mouthing me and my Ukip colleagues but in my view fails on all fronts. (Letters April 21)

I don’t need lessons on how to represent my constituents.

I have attended every Council meeting since I was elected in 2014 as has councillor Hornby since he was elected in May 2015. We have submitted questions and put forward motions on most every occasion — certainly in the last 12 months.

My criticisms were aimed at improving the conduct of council meetings with a view to better informing the public and reflecting their concerns.

Questions are asked but only on occasion are they given a straight answer. There is no right of reply should the answer avoid the point that the question is intended to make. In this respect, it is a waste of time.

We have asked 19 questions and put forward five motions or amendments. Hardly sitting on our hands in silence.

He will also note that the majority of Labour Members never uttered a word.

Our reason for abstaining on Councillor Walsh’s motion has already appeared in the letters pages so needs no repetition here.

With reference to the new and larger Little Lever Library, he and everybody else will find in the fullness of time that there is no library. Officers know nothing about it and the thick end of £1m which it would cost just doesn’t exist. The residents of Little Lever have made it clearly known that they want a better Health Centre not the fixing of something that ain’t broken.

Mr Richardson alleges that I stated that I became a councillor to pay off my debts. I said no such thing. I put myself forward to become a councillor in order to better continue the promotion of the well being of Little Lever and Darcy Lever and its residents which I had been involved with since 2009. To that end I had published dozens of letters in this newspaper. As is my want, I was being truthful about the lack of prospect of getting a job at the age of 68 when riddled with arthritis and psoriasis.

Finally, he is quite correct. Electors in Little Lever and Darcy Lever do have a choice on May 5th. I’m not sure that their choice will be the same as his.

Councillor Paul Richardson

Ripon Close

Little Lever