DAILY Echo readers must think we're a bad-tempered lot in Coxford Ward.

There have been letters from the Labour and Conservative candidates recently; arguing about who attended which meetings about the secondary schools review.

Don Thomas, the Labour candidate, has questioned whether there's any need for a Green party in Southampton - wishful thinking, Don.

For the record, I also attended a meeting about the schools review, and have written to Clive Webster subsequently suggesting that there could have been more consideration of the impact of the proposed changes on existing neighbourhoods and on the city's environment and infrastructure.

I also asked for clarification of the council's intentions above and beyond the specific proposals now under consideration.

Specifically, I asked for clarification on the Council's proposed learning campus model of education provision, and whether further rounds of school closures, possibly involving primary schools, are likely to be recommended over the next few years.

I agree with Conservative Neil Fitzgerald and Don Thomas that we need to ensure a fair, good-humoured contest at the next election.

As a gesture towards this, I'd like to invite Neil, Don, and Cllr Peter Galton for the Liberal Democrats to a New Year's Eve party. Of course, I'd suggest that it's the Green party that's best placed to address both local and international concerns, but then I would say that, wouldn't I?

DAVID CURL, Green party candidate for Coxford ward, Southampton.