THE main thing independent councillors have in common is their wish to give something back to the community.

They have no masters tucked away in London and are free to act independently.

We had a great team of candidates with this view at local elections but they did not get enough support from the electorate. However, they are willing to stand again when people realise their mistake.

The independents are a strong-minded group and will stay united in fighting to ensure that the community gets a fair deal. As the newly-elected leader I will do my utmost to carry on the good work fulfilled by the independent group in the last four years.

Cllr Shirley Burns, Morecambe.