On behalf of my colleages in the Pensions Action Alliance who stood for election for the Croydon Council last Thursday we would like to thank your paper and your readers for all the encouragement we received.

For a first time group with no political bias, obtaining more than 1,000 votes was, to say the least, a surprise.

As was the number of volunteer helpers and people who phoned to wish us well.

We were especially surprised at the enthusiasm from the people of Waddon, which only confirmed the concern they had voiced while we were campaigning.

The closure of Crosfield was obviously viewed more seriously by them than our late council. What we have started will now continue into the future and we will be seeking new recruits to carry on the effort we have started.

At the count we were treated as worthy competitors by most of the opposing groups, but not by all.

It appeared that some thought we had or did not deserve any votes but the change in power in Croydon may make them rethink their strategy for future elections.

David Young
Received by email