I note a letter from what must be a Labour activist, Ken Stevens, praising Rowenna Davis for doing a petition for the Bitterne Walk-In Centre and accusing the Tories of wanting to close it.

I’m not sure if Mr Stevens is living on a different planet but the Daily Echo itself reported that Southampton City Council had the power to stop the closure and knew about it.

The council is run by Labour. Not the Tories. It was Labour’s decision to make.

It seems to most of us who use the centre that it was Royston Smith who actually walked the walk and talked the talk and who badgered the council into acting.

Indeed the Echo clearly says he said the decision should be referred to the Secretary of State and Labour’s own leader, Simon Letts, is quoted in the same article as supporting Royston Smith.

Of course this isn’t the first time the Walk-In Centre has faced problems and it was Royston Smith last time round who was at public meetings and opposing changes while he was running the council while Rowenna Davies wasn’t living here.

I’m sure Ms Davies is perfectly nice but this situation shows a gulf in difference in the experience needed to be an MP and replace John Denham. Royston Smith did the painstaking work and worked out ways to save the centre.

Rowenna did a petition. One has worked for the constituency, the other has focused on political point scoring and campaigning.

HENRY McGUINNESS Sholing, Southampton.