IN REPLY to Cllr Glass’ dig at me for failing to sign on as a Cllr, he failed to mention the reason.

For over 50 years I have always considered there can be no greater reward in life than devoting one’s time and energy to the advancement and future of British youth.

The election clashed with a pre-planned opportunity to take part in the German Land Rover Club 40th Anniversary Rally, with a ship booked to take my cadets and Land Rover to the Hook of Holland.

I emailed my apologies to the clerk that I would not be able to attend the first meeting of the council; but would like to be considered for the amenities committee .

The night before we had a major problem with our Land Rover, and I forgot I also had to sign in – after all I am 82 years old and a bit forgetful.

When I got back from Germany I was told the clerk had e-mailed and phoned me to remember to sign in; but I could find no record on my e-mail file and my very good phone answer machine had no message on the subject.

Fawley Parish Council has a massive Conservative majority, which has elected the same chair person year after year, giving nobody else a chance, including Allen Glass.

That, as a lone UKIP member any of my suggestions are ignored or left off agendas.

As was seen by my recent letter in the Echo on the need to have a defibrillator to cover our very active and hi-tech fitness suite.

When a vacancy occurred during the last term, the Conservatives co-opted a Conservative, and ignored a UKIP nominee.

They could have co-opted me, a senior councillor of over 30 years, and saved the £5,000 cost of the by-election.

At the election I was third in support with 1,060 votes, so locally the voters wanted me as UKIP.

I may, of course, not win the by-election, but if I do, Cllr Glass, that’s £5,000 the council has thrown down the drain.

Philip Peace-Smith, MBE Long Lane, Holbury