MAY I please take this opportunity to thank everyone who turned out to vote for me in the Cinderford West by-election on January 12.

This is the first time that UKIP have stood in the ward and it was gratifying to note that there is a substantial minority (12.7 per cent) who are now questioning whether the old Con/Dem Labour parties are really worth supporting.

I wold also like to thank all the UKIP?supporters who helped in the distribution of leaflets and in getting our message across about returning local government to the control and for the benefit of local people.

From my point of view the only disappointing aspect of the election was the poor turnout of just 24 per cent. Could I?please make a plea to all voters that they exercise their right to vote in future? Like local businesses and facilities "if you don't use them you'll lose them" and play straight into the hands of the undemocratic EU.

During the campaign several local issues were brought to my attention and I will be doing my best to try and resolve these during the next few months. If there are any local issues which you would like to see sorted out please let me know.

– Colin Guyton, The Great Barn, Park Farm, High Street, Ruardean.