RALPH Musgrave is well wide of the mark in his criticism of the Liberal Democrats (HAS, Jan 4).

His claim that our promise to put local people first is stolen from the BNP is ludicrous. That promise is prompted by the clear will of local people to have a new MP who will put local people ahead of party loyalty.

He is equally incorrect on the issues of party funding and the hard work being done by local activists. Rather than being funded by millionaires or the unions as the other parties are, the Lib Dem campaign in Durham is paid for by local members and residents who are desperate to help bring about positive change for this area at the General Election.

Mr Musgrave’s final comment – that we have no need to trudge the streets to campaign – is frankly insulting to the great number of volunteers from across Durham who do exactly that each and every week to help the campaign. These volunteers delivered more than 350,000 leaflets in Durham in 2009 alone.

They deserve huge credit for getting involved – actions speak much louder than words.

Councillor Carol Woods, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Durham City.