At least my LibDem MP listens. He's very willing to engage in dialogue and sends me considered replies to any letters I write to him (I write to him on some of the things that you complain about, Richard - and others which are of concern to me). I genuinely believe that he doesn't see me as some sort of 'nutter' but as someone who is public spirited and with a valid point of view.

By contrast the local Labour councillors send bland, standardised replies to my letters and one of them even 'blanks' me in the street because she knows that I don't support her party. It's not just me who has had problems with our Labour dominated council. A highly knowledgeable and articulate member of our local Civic Society has finally given up talking to them because he says that they're like an impenetrable brick wall and he's now got a flattened forehead! So much for democracy!