IT is claimed that 47 per cent of properties in my village of Burley are second homes.

We must presume that at election time those owners will not be casting a vote, as their main residence is elsewhere.

Out of the remaining 53 per cent many will be newcomers, leaving only a small number of genuine locals.

What seems to happen is that it is the newcomers puts themselves forward to be councillors or the local, while local folk are dictated too and have no influence, because their numbers are so small.

RICHARD GRANT, Burley.