THROUGH your pages we would like the opportunity to say a sincere thank you to all those Lyngford ward residents who voted for us last Thursday. While the outcome was disappointing for us, naturally we respect the decision to elect new representatives.

We will not let our experience, knowledge, and commitment to Lyngford go to waste however, and we will continue to promote Lyngford's interests through community involvement as local residents, and Labour Party members.

Elections provide a unique opportunity to discuss with people the issues that are most concerning them. From the many conversations we have had in the past few weeks, and from the issues we have tackled over the years, it is clear that their experience of Taunton Deane services leaves many Lyngford residents deeply puzzled that it has been awarded 'Excellent Council' status. There are lessons for us all from May 3 election results!

The county and district councils, police, health services, housing providers, drugs and youth agencies, voluntary and social services all have the statistical evidence supporting what Lyngford people are saying about their lives. But while multi-agency partnership strategies, action plans and protocols abound, they are unknown to, and have made no perceptible impact for people we spoke to. The issues are many and often complex, there are few easy fixes but there is an urgent need for real and sustained action 'on the ground' in Lyngford.

The need to coordinate and focus resources much more effectively is Glaringly evident, and a change of approach essential if all residents are to enjoy The quality of life they have a right to expect. This will continue to be our mission as Labour community activists in Lyngford.

LIBBY LISGO, BRENDA WESTON, MARTIN JEVON Taunton Labour Party Blackdown Road, Taunton