To have such a depressing and negative attitude to all seven of his local councillors (letters, April 24) shows a man who would have difficulty smiling in Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but would probably find Wagner's Gotterdamerung hilarious.
Mr Wirsten says "Galashiels is rundown in parts and these days needs leadership at SBC level".

He gives us the example of Andrew Tulley MBE as a leader. He served Galashiels well for many years. His methods, however, were of a style and severity which few people would wish to emulate.

Mr Wirsten considers the arrival of Asda as a great achievement. Some, however, would argue that the arrival of Asda and her bridegroom, Tesco, are the very reason for the difficulties currently being felt in Gala town centre.

The increasing number of closed shops, the destruction of Gala's finest building to make way for a car park and the architectural monstrosity of the subsequent sheds right in the centre of our town could be argued as counter productive to a "people-friendly" town centre. Stores of that size are supposed to be located out of town to allow town centres to continue to thrive.

Mr Wirsten, there are many ways to achieve success and to show good leadership. I have found that the people I want to follow through difficulties and hard times are invariably quiet, thoughtful, kind and mannerly.

I have had a great deal of co-operation from council officers, who do mostly try their very best to provide the best service they can under the financial strictures imposed by politicians and consider I have achieved a great deal in my first year in office.

Sandy Aitchison

(councillor,

Galashiels and District)

Craigend Road

Stow