SIR - Readers of the T&A were repeatedly told by yourself, your columnists and the great and good that a vote for the BNP would be a retrograde step. Unfortunately for your credibility some 18,212 people ignored what you said. Welcome to the club! Now you know what it's like to be ignored and have your views dismissed.

When people are told what they should and shouldn't speak about or think; when councillors ignore the wishes of those who elected them; when people feel disenfranchised; when they are ignored and their worries not addressed; well, at some point people will say 'enough is enough' and fight back. Not necessarily via bombing or rioting on the streets - but by using their democratic right and voting.

Richard Summerscales, Victoria Road, Eccleshill