READING the comments from M Predeth (Echo, May 9) re the election count: Pity that M Predeth cannot get the facts right before jumping in with comments about getting our lips around a pint or two on election night at Littledown.

I admit to enjoying a good pint of real ale. More so after a long day in the ward.

Due to the way this election was run, both the ballot papers for the local election and AV were put into one ballot box, the result being that it took over three hours-plus to separate the two ballot papers in the numerous boxes, with the main local election count not starting until around 2am.

The count being carried out in the main hall with the public leisure bar upstairs (and, yes, over 400-plus candidates/observers present) and the bar being closed at 22.00 hours then serving non-alcoholic drinks but retaining some full staff resulted in there being only a handful of customers.

It is normal at counts to meet up with colleagues and, yes, have a pint.

On this occasion many met up at the Cooper Dean and attended the count later on, even though the main count did not start until 2am.

And, yes, still there at 6am.

CLLR RON WHITTAKER, Glenmeadows Drive, Kinson