IN relation to the recent letter titled "cut the whinging" - while not a member of any political party, I suspect that we would be even worse off if "halving the amount of councillors" became a reality.

At a time when boundary changes threaten the ability of local MPs to effectively represent us, this additional attack on local democracy seems particularly sinister.

In this context, the reader who portrayed councillor Jo Bird "bleating" about "cruel cuts" is vicious and unfair.

Jo Bird strongly advocates the speedy rebuilding of New Ferry's devastated commercial centre.

She argues the importance of such communities, learning the lesson of other badly disadvantaged areas and how vital it is that New Ferry's voice is listened to and acted upon.

This is an example of a "leadership role" based on listening which we should surely expect of our councillors.

In addition to trying to deal with everyday concerns, our local councillors play an important part in assisting the cause of progress.

No bleating here.

In trying to avoid the fate of our long-suffering sheep, our community spokespeople such as councillors, seek to address our concerns - large and small.

Peter Johnson, New Ferry