SIR – I would like to congratulate Councillor Townend on winning the local election in Baildon. I would also like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make this year’s election so competitive on all sides. It was certainly a hard fought campaign.

However, I was disappointed to see that UKIP did not contribute with a candidate. In fact, one voter wrote UKIP in bold letters across their spoiled ballot paper.

I wonder how UKIP would justify their absence to that person? Do they have nothing to offer people in Shipley that the Conservatives cannot deliver?

If the rumours of UKIP colluding with Shipley Conservatives are true, then I am sure your readers will join me in condemning it. It is insulting to their constituents, who deserve the freedom of choice.

Ian Lyons, Liberal Democrat, Town Councillor (Baildon East), Cliffe Avenue, Baildon, Shipley