THE letter from Derek Norman, the local UKIP chairman (May 28) is extremely misleading and is clearly part of a campaign for next year s European elections. He attributes the losses that have been incurred by Royal Mail and its subsidiaries solely to the

THE letter from Derek Norman, the local UKIP chairman (May 28) is extremely misleading and is clearly part of a campaign for next year's European elections.

He attributes the losses that have been incurred by Royal Mail and its subsidiaries solely to the opening up

of the UK market to foreign competition in response to an EC directive. This is not true.

For a start, Royal Mail and its subsidiaries are badly managed. Eighteen months ago you published a letter from me giving examples of local incompetence. I won't repeat them now but they remain valid.

The widespread use of e-mail and texting has undeniably reduced the volume of normal mail.

By withdrawing the contract for TV licences the government removed a useful source of income. The introduction of online facilities to pay for vehicle excise duty has also reduced another source of income.

An independent Britain would still have to face up to the problem of a badly run mail and post office system which is saddled with out of date and often unnecessary systems of control.

The Liberal Democrat party has costed policies to help post offices break out of the downward spiral. UKIP does not appear to have any such policies. There is nothing relevant on its website.

Elsewhere, Essex County Council appears to be leading the way, but mention must also made of Cambridgeshire. Bar Hill has regained its post office. It can be found in the library.

So if, next May, UKIP contacts you by telephone please ask what are its positive policies to save post offices. They have a year to develop some.

COLIN SAUNDERSON

St Ives Liberal Democrats

Cedar Road

St Ives