Roy White, of Naseby Drive, Heathfield, writes:

A few weeks ago there was a sadly interesting election. Sad because the vast majority of voters did not take part, interesting because a considerable proportion of those that did chose to vote UKIP rather than for one of the 'major' party candidates.

It also showed in the election of a certain new county councillor for Teignmouth that although you cannot fool all of the people all of the time, you can fool enough of the people some of the time.

The disgust of the majority of the electorate with the 'major' parties, locally and nationally, further weakens the already feeble flower of democracy. If you don't use it, be prepared to lose it.

To regain public support mainstream politicians must stop all trying to occupy the centre ground where nothing gets done. They seem to be afraid of proposing something not centrist enough and to fear displaying some distinctive ideas and beliefs. If all parties are the same, democracy dies.

Those beliefs should include only spending tax money on truly necessary projects: therefore no ridiculous foot/cycle bridge over the A38 at Drumbridges, no wasteful public development of the Old Thatch and nationally no unnecessary high speed rail.

To Bovey Tracey Town Council, yes, the town hall is not ideal, but may I suggest you grin and bear it, Boris Johnson and co you ain't.

Stop wasting our money on grand projects we as a community cannot afford; before you spend a single penny of public money, think long and hard; before you borrow a single penny that our children and grandchildren will have to repay, think long and hard and do not do it.