RE the Opinion column in the Warrington Guardian about the Walton Parish Council by-election (Warrington Guardian, March 22.

An election is held to fill a parish council vacancy only if a request is made by 10 residents, otherwise the parish advertises the vacancy and co-opts a new member at minimal expense.

It was the Green Party that called this election, costing Walton Parish Council more than £3,000.

Stretton Parish Council incurred similar costs recently when another parish council election was called by the Green Party.

Once an election is called any number of political or independent candidates can put their names forward and, until nominations are announced, there is no way of knowing who will be standing for election.

Our candidate for this election, Sharon Harris, is an involved Walton resident who attends Walton Parish meetings and knows the area, having lived there for 15 years.

She wanted to make sure voters had the option of at least one local candidate to vote for.

Elections are a price we pay for democracy. In this case it was quite clear which candidate the voters preferred to have on their parish council as Cllr Harris received 83 per cent of the votes cast.

As there were only three candidates standing for two places, the second seat went to the Green Party by default and with the support of a mere 18 voters.

The Lib Dems did not call this election. but once it had been called, they made sure a highly able local person was put forward as a candidate.

JUDITH WALKER Nominating officer for Warrington Liberal Democrats