SIR,

You published the list of candidates for the forthcoming local elections.

My name was not included because after 25 years as a councillor, it is time for me to stand down, particularly as I will be 80 in June.

It has been an honour to serve as the local councillor and I am grateful for the support, and especially the friendliness, of all the people in my electoral division, which covers eight wards.

Having been involved with the political leadership of some areas, particularly social services and housing services, I have been fortunate to meet and know so many people over a wider area and again have been made welcome by them.

It is a lovely characteristic of Monmouthshire that everyone is so welcoming and friendly. This last year as chairman of the county council has only confirmed this.

So for most of my time as a councillor, it has been enjoyable and I hope that I have been of service and been able to change some things for the better over these 25 years.

Brian Hood

(Chairman,

Monmouthshire County Council)