Madam, The great thing about the "letters" page of a local newspaper is that it gives local people the opportunity to express views, sometimes controversial, and to disagree with other local people with fear of little more than mild rebuke from their neighbours.

Like Jean Monnington, I missed a ringing in my ears on Friday July 27th but then, I was listening at twelve minutes past eight in the evening or, as an ex-Navy man, 2012!

When I first read Mr Pascoe's letter I was rather disappointed with his comments and felt he was not doing our MP true justice. I had already contacted Mr Norman, he is very approachable, and was very satisfied with his explanation. He is well aware of the damaging effect it might have on his career – unless Mr Cameron is bold enough to appreciate his true worth.

It was with some satisfaction that I read Mr Mantle's views and to find his opinions very much in line with my own. When we hear so much of fraud and wrong-doing in parliamentary circles we should be proud to have an MP who is prepared to stand up and be counted.

My personal opinion is that, apart from some reduction in numbers, the House of Lords should stay as it is. The system has worked for a long time now so why change it. Our parliamentary system is part of our culture and countries around the world envy it. If we have an elected upper house we just get a copy of the lower house - do we really want that?

While expressing personal views I will probably annoy the more liberal minded townsfolk further by commenting on the question of same sex couples being allowed to "marry" in a church. It is completely wrong and I need say no more.

Madam Editor, if you publish this letter I will be grateful and look forward to some interesting and, I hope, controversial responses.

Michael Field,