I?MUST thank Dave James for his letter (Times, June 18) encouraging me to write my 'best selling' novel concerning the calculated, cynical machinations of a local council. I fear the ability to do so is not within me although I will probably, within the next couple of years, make a serious attempt to publish a 'tongue-in-cheek' semi-fictional collection of short stories regarding the idiosyncrasies of local councils and councillors based partly on personal experience, but with the addition of a soupcon of poetic licence. The main thrust of his letter, however — the increasing threat to grass root democracy due to the apathy of the electorate — is surely perceptive and correct. A situation where, in the not too distant future, the elected could well be outnumbered by the appointed (happening in local government throughout the country) will inevitably endanger our basic rights and freedom.

Ted Sherrell Tavistock