MR Parr’s letter (Warrington Guardian, January 24) regarding my alleged careless use of the words ‘keyboard warriors’ deserves a response.

National, local democracy and businesses require constant scrutiny and fair challenge by citizens and customers.

This is one of the hallmarks of a good and thriving democracy.

The use of ‘online’ comments has a full part to play in this scrutiny process.

Ultimately it’s the ballot box that decides the value of individual or collective achievements by politicians.

Shareholders, auditors and regulatory bodies provide the watchdog function for business.

Unfortunately there are a small number of ‘keyboard warriors’ who revert to personalising and trivialising published views and articles.

Those of us who hold profile positions are used to being ‘trolled’ – it’s not acceptable , causes hurt, is uncomfortable, upsets the family – but it goes with the territory some may say.

Rather than apologise for my ‘careless words’, I’d like to see more of public comment and debate in the letters page and online on the key issues facing our great town.

The Warrington Guardian and the various columns are about stimulating this.

Mr Parr, you are always welcome to come here for tea (which I’ll make and pay for) and to have an ‘eyeball to eyeball’ discussion on any topic you wish.

STEVEN BROOMHEAD Chief executive Warrington Borough Council