SIR, — I was interested to learn from your report (Herts Advertiser, May 8) that no rival candidate was present when Conservative Dave Winstone was declared winner of the St Albans District Council seat for London Colney. It sounds like sour grapes on the

SIR, - I was interested to learn from your report (Herts Advertiser, May 8) that no rival candidate was present when Conservative Dave Winstone was declared winner of the St Albans District Council seat for London Colney. It sounds like sour grapes on the part of the beaten Labour candidate but the absence of the LibDem and Green candidates was at least consistent with their efforts during the local election campaign.

I was surprised to learn that they were standing when I came to vote. There had been no sign of them or literature from them and in the circumstances they should be grateful that as many as 253 voted for them. We hear of apathy on the part of the electorate but now it seems to be spreading to some candidates.

PETER GUY,

Kings Road, London Colney.