An open letter to all Rossendale and Darwen constituents who care about the future of their town.

Rossendale and Darwen electorate had 73,443 people eligible to vote in the 2010 election but 25,000 of you couldn’t be bothered.

That means almost a third of Rossendale and Darwen citizens were totally disinterested in what happened to their town. Are they still so disillusioned?

Yet you live in a democracy and are happy to accept the many benefits so many died for in 1940/45 and since.

You are happy to receive free NHS medical attention, unemployment benefits etc and all the other advantages of living in a free society.

Are you also amongst the many that do much of the grumbling about their standard of living or how the town or country services are run?

Isn’t it time each person took responsibility and voted for those they feel should be managing the countries affairs.

It is too easy to say that my single vote can make no difference, but there were almost 26,000 like you at the last election.

Non-voters have no right to complain when things go wrong.

I’m a strong Conservative. I’m 90 and an RAF aircrew veteran but I am not advising you to vote as I do.

I am saying ‘take responsibility’, please vote for Labour, Liberal or Conservative. Whosoever you feel is right. Don’t waste a vote.

The country does not need another coalition. We need a Government with full authority which can maintain Britain’s current good world standing.

Your vote counts.

Maurice R Hamlin, ex RAF Vet (via email)