May I pay tribute to the seven councillors who left Weymouth and Portland Borough Council after the recent election?

Firstly I would like to pay tribute to David Mannings who served the Preston Ward for seven years. While I was delighted to win his seat I can confirm that in all my campaigning I heard nothing but praise for David’s selfless public service. David and Tim Munro were the only two councillors who lost while defending their seats and I am sure, knowing how much hard work they devoted to serve the public, they will be feeling very upset they have had their tireless work interrupted.

May I also pay tribute to Councillors Sonia Cash, Amanda Legg, Simon Bowkett, Graham Winter and Howard Legg who decided for various reasons not to contest their own seats. Their energy and experience will be sorely missed.

I suspect they, like me, will have been upset by a number of anonymous letters and website comments that appeared in the Echo which appeared to attack councillors in general and long-serving councillors in particular.

While politics is well known as a thankless task I really think the people so keen to slag off those who give public service should reflect that such comments only make it even more difficult to retain experienced councillors and to attract new blood onto the council.

If they want to improve things I would urge them to stand for council and I know all political parties would welcome more volunteering to stand. Indeed, if we had more volunteers then people like me wouldn’t have to interrupt our retirement by coming to the aid of the party.

Ian Bruce, Preston Road, Weymouth