I BOTH agree and disagree with your Editor’s note - Should parties have stood aside in the recent Borough Elections? (Gazette, May 14).

It is a very important point either way. In my own case in Mersea and Pyefleet, the Green Party acted as a spoiler to get someone elected who would have sought to bring something very different to the council.

The Greens propped up the status quo when they had no chance of winning, having always polled a low vote, and when it was clear to many what was needed was fresh faces on the local scene. So yes, the Green Party did miss a trick. In the other council seats you mentioned the same is true for the other parties.

Can I say in my case an offer was made to the Greens. I said to their candidate if he stood aside I would support many of their policies.

Many I had always believed in - opposition to what was happening at Bradwell and protecting the environment. This was rejected. So now they have lost that voice at the highest level in the council chamber. Just gesture politics rather than being really interested in power?

I feel a great pity whatever the case.

But I hope all those shut out by the election will not lose heart.

The big issues for Colchester have not stopped with the council elections - they are only just beginning.

John Akker
Independent Candidate for Mersea and Pyefleet in the May Borough Council Elections
Seaview Avenue, West Mersea