ON reading Mr Steeples letter in the Citizen (October 7) I could not help feeling that a certain redress of the political bias is required.

My own perception of Hilton Dawson MP is of an individual who has worked tirelessly for the good of Lancaster and the constituency as a whole. Mr Steeples seems to choose and interpret his sources so as to present an impression of Hilton that is misleading and quite simply false.

Only a cursory reading of local newspapers would seem to indicate that, rather being a slave to publicity stunts, Hilton Dawson has achieved a considerable amount during his tenure in office. His work in bringing millions of pounds of investment to Lancaster from the Single Regeneration Budget, from the achieving of Objective Two Status for Lancaster and from his constant liaison with politicians, civil servants and businessmen has surely secured a brighter future for Lancaster than was ever the case under years of Conservative inaction. Hansard would indicate that Hilton has spoken on more than "rare occasions" and has raised, on many occasions, issues of great national and local concern (greater protection for children in care, preservation of Moss Roads, the safety of residents in Park Homes, defending the excellence of local produce). Subjecting Hansard to close scrutiny throws up scant evidence of "trivial nonsense or toadying praises of New Labour."

Mr Steeples is not alone in misinterpreting Hilton Dawson's comments regarding NIghtingale Hall Farm. Only a blinkered mis-reading of what was actually said could lead to the conclusion that Nightingale Hall farm should be moved lock, stock and barrel to Heysham without any debate or consultation. A more balanced perspective (and that supported by Hilton) is that any possible amelioration of this problem should be thoroughly explored. This consummate good sense does not seem to be the product of a "flipped lid."

In closing I would not be inclined to see it as "a fine day when Mr Dawson just goes" especially if Mr Steeples sees a Conservative incumbent as part of his fine day. The voters of Lancaster are unlikely to quickly forget how their town was allowed to decline into an unrecognisable shadow of its former self under the auspices of a largely absentee Conservative MP.

Jonathan Davis

St Georges Quay

Lancaster

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