ONLY 28 per cent of those entitled to vote in the Westfield by-election bothered to do so. The people feel betrayed and taken for granted.

On the doorsteps, people were angry about being told there was no money, while seeing £4 million going to York Football Club and most recently £10 million going to Network Rail.

All very grand, but where’s the money coming from?

At the same time, City of York Council is ceasing to provide lunchtime meals to sheltered homes such as Gale Farm Court, threatening youth facilities such as the Castlegate Centre and community centres too, such as Foxwood. These are the things that really matter. Tangible issues. People need hope not paltry excuses. Our money, our priorities.

James Alexander now says things will be done differently. The first thing he should do is apologise for not accepting the government subsidy on council tax. Next, all three parties should revisit the provision of community facilities.

But there is an alternative. Vote Ukip and get thoughtful Ukip. Vote LibLabCon and get the same old pet projects.

Perhaps the council will tell us how much was spent on cycle facilities in York and how much was saved by withdrawing meals from vulnerable residents? Ukip would never ever allow such despicable penny-pinching.

Paul Abbott, Secretary, York Ukip branch.