LAST week you printed a letter from Mr Summerwill saying that neither Jeff Muir nor I live in Falmouth. The truth is that I live within walking distance of the town centre (under three-and-a-half miles). I understand Jeff Muir would have been living in the town by now if his house sale had gone through smoothly. He has had an offer accepted on a property and will be moving to Falmouth hopefully in the next few weeks.

The important issue is that both of us have had a long-term interest in the town and want to see Falmouth prosper. This is why we are standing for election.

In my case, my association with the town goes back a long, long way. It started as a child when, as a treat, my father brought me by sea on a ship to berth in Falmouth. I was amazed by the port and the variety of craft on the water. Later I ran a successful marine business in Falmouth. I continue to have a small business interest in Falmouth. Until very recently I had a pivotal role in Falmouth Week. I worked hard to expand Falmouth Week from a pure sailing to a town-wide community event. To this end, I helped initiate the now successful Falmouth Week Shoreside Committee. Last October, for my success with Falmouth Week, I was honoured to receive a Community Award from the Royal Yachting Association for "outstanding contribution." I am chairman of the Special Area of Conservation Advisory Group, an important issue for Falmouth.

Any suggestion I am an "outsider" can only come from an ill-informed person. I believe I have fully demonstrated my commitment to Falmouth and would like the opportunity to extend my work for the people of Falmouth by becoming a councillor.

Roger Hollingsworth, Budock