SIR – The assertion by Joe Ashton that in 2007, Baildon Parish (now Town) Council was established “by popular demand” is hardly borne out by the figures on the Baildon Village Website.

In 2005, out of an electorate of 12,836, 1,322 people signed a petition seeking a Parish Council. In 2007; after approval by the Secretary of State, a referendum was held to discover if Baildonians wanted it.

Out of nearly 13,000 electors, only 5,846 (37 per cent) bothered to vote, and of those 3,275 voted for the council. Such a figure can hardly be classed as “popular demand”.

Such figures suggest the public of Baildon perceived it to be a further unnecessary tier of local government, which despite having some powers would not be truly independent, but subservient to Bradford Council.

Considering that Baildon’s Town Council precept recently rose by 104 per cent, the largest precept rise of the many parish and town councils in the district, what has been achieved? Very little in my view – a few boundary stones and signs marking the limits of Baildon, most of them incorrectly sited, monetary contributions to groups deemed worthy, a monthly farmer's market.

Perhaps the only purpose it provides is as a proving ground for those with political ambitions who aspire to the higher echelons of local or national government.

Hardly earthshattering democracy is it?

Alan Walsh, Fernbank Drive, Baildon