Dear Editor,

With so much wonderful energy and human resource to hand in the town (I have just been privileged to observe a dedicated group try and grasp all, the often conflicting, issues of riverbank management with a view to enacting a sensible plan asap), it always seems a pity to see the potential for united community positivity hampered by what can come across as more party political point scoring over knuckling down and getting stuff done.

It has surely been made pretty clear, at a local level over the years, that the colour of rosettes higher up the chain mean little to most.

We have had an election and the people have put in place who they think are the best proxy representatives to turn promises into realities.

These representatives in turn debate, when few of us have time or inclination, at least in person, and then, if necessary, vote between them on what to do.

It is democracy. Never perfect, but the best there is so far.

As are the glories of free speech. There will be those vocally unhappy with decisions taken and actions agreed.

Fair enough.

But it's possible others feel that doing stuff now, seems a lot better than arguing endlessly on faults and blame, and kicking things into the long grass, as it were.

If what is done is done badly, or funds allocated poorly another election looms down the line for the people to offer judgement on those who have sought to serve on our behalves now.

Some might prefer investing in making this (tourist) town attractive to locals and visitors as holiday season peaks, and maybe also cut a bit of slack to those tasked with making tough calls on how best resources, financial or otherwise, get allocated to do this.

Peter Martin Ross