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Time for a major rethink by the Labour Party

Like many people, I went to bed on the night of the election in a somewhat depressed state after the exit polls were released, but I was still shocked in the morning at the heavy defeat suffered by the Labour Party nationwide.

It is clear to me the divisions in the country are as deep as ever and that dislike Jeremy Corbyn, his failure to deal conclusively with allegations of antisemitism in his party and the lack of a clear view on Brexit have been an important factor in the abysmal results.

That people would feel there is no alternative but to vote for a party that has repeatedly used unsavoury advertising methods, that is led by a man with a wildly swinging moral compass and who appears to be a stranger to the truth, is an indication of how badly Corbyn has failed supporters and his own membership.

He needs to go quickly and be replaced by someone who can rebuild the party with backing from members and the voting public.

Labour’s horrendous losses in the north show the party needs to reconnect with ordinary working people outside the Islington bubble. Corbyn was warned about it three years ago and should have acted. He failed and this is the result.

Maybe he should reflect on that.

Dennis Stephens, Stratton

Donations support vital mental health services

Our charity shops raise money each year to support anyone and everyone with a mental health problem.

This year for Giving Tuesday (3 December) we are asking locals in the community to give what you can to your local Mind shop.

I am calling on readers to donate your pre-loved items such as; winter coats, jumpers, hats, and scarves.

New books, DVDs and electronic items are great too, and make the perfect Christmas gifts.

Everything donated is re-used, re-cycled, re-sold then loved again.

The average bag of items donated to Mind’s shops is worth around £30.

This money will help to secure a better deal for the one in four of who experience mental health problems every year.

It will help fund services such as our Infoline, which provides information and advice, our online peer-support network Elefriends, and our vital campaigning work.

I urge readers to donate whatever you can so we can be there for those with a mental health problem, not only throughout the festive season, but whenever they need us most.

With your help, we can help ensure that all of us with a mental health problem get the support and respect we deserve.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Andrew Vale, Director of Mind Retail

A wheelie good effort to tidy up town streets

I think young Ben Thornbury should be congratulated for his sterling efforts to keep his town clean (SA, December 4).

What a great idea to put an unused wheelie bin on the street of a new housing estate for people to use for rubbish and dog poo bags!

It’s a pity Wiltshire Council has seen fit to tell him to get rid of it.

I appreciate his bin wasn’t official and it didn’t have a licence but maybe the council should put one of their own there.

Eileen Thompson, Royal Wootton Bassett

Paws for thanks

Thank you for your continued support during 2019.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Alan Fletcher, Swindon Guide Dogs