I WAS most surprised and rather saddened to read the article by ‘The Fly in the Ointment’ about Helen Jones retiring as MP for Warrington North (Warrington Guardian, November 7).

Unlike the columnist, I am one of her constituents and I can say quite categorically that she has been effective and caring of the community.

Her stance on the Peel Hall development, for example, has been very supportive.

As far as the Petitions Committee is concerned, the columnist seems to think that his petition should automatically cause change to happen. That was never on offer.

What was on offer, and what Helen Jones achieved, was the chance to have a petition heard in a way which wouldn’t have previously been possible.

Obviously, as an observer, I couldn’t comment on her reported relationship with Warrington Borough Council. All I will say is that she wouldn’t be doing her job if she didn’t sometimes question actions she disagreed with.

As Warrington North’s MP for the past 22 years, I think she deserves better than this, and I for one will be sorry to see her go. I hope her replacement will be as good.

ALBERT HARTLEY Fearnhead