CLLR Preest should stick to local issues and not bother us with his views on the rest of the world.

He is concerned that rich countries in the Middle East are not doing enough to help refugees and thinks this somehow allows us to ignore the suffering of victims of war.

However, there are other countries in the region that are giving aid to millions of refugees, mainly Lebanon and Jordan, that are far smaller and poorer countries than ourselves.

It is sad to hear tired old delusions in Enoch Powell being trotted out again.

Maybe Mr Preest gets his compassion for the suffering of others from Powell, who as Minister for Health refused to help victims of Thalidomide.

I suggest Mr Preest stay quietly at home with his box set of Till Death Us Do Part and spare us his views in future.

– Resident, Lydney.