A FELLOW called Clive Booth - never heard of him - has been circulating unpleasant stories about Hugh Bayley, and has even gone to the trouble of making a video nasty (he must be desperate).

In answer, I know Mr Bayley has spent most weekdays since the election was called knocking on doors.

He was in Acomb last Monday night and, I hear, he has appointments to visit supermarkets and other businesses. He has regular open meetings throughout the year when anyone can question him, and the monthly list of places he visits in York is so long I wonder how he also manages to work in London.

He is one of the few MPs to employ researchers in his constituency. I believe he really cares about what happens in York.

If Clive what's-his-name hasn't seen him he can't have been trekking around the streets. Just look at the posters; I have yet to spot a Tory one.

Mrs Rosemary Thornton,

Allanson Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, April 23, 2005