ONE of the under-reported stories of the recent local elections must be the increased success of the Green Party.

In Southampton, 2,743 people voted Green, an increase of 33 per cent on last year. In Winchester, we finised in third place, ahead of Labour, in the two wards we contested.

Our strongest result was in the New Forest, where we contested seven wards, with Janet Richards doubling her share of the vote to 21.1 per cent, just four votes short of second place.

We'd like to thank everyone who supported us, and we look forward to ensuring that a strong Green voice continues to be heard in local politics. We also congratulate the Echo for featuring environmental issues so prominently.

DAVID CURL, elections officer, SW Hants Green Party.