REGARDING the shock news that we, in the North West are to have postal votes for everyone -- I cannot believe it! Our democracy has always been held up by the one person, one vote system.

I know there are people who want to vote but for whom it is physically very difficult, but to ask that all votes are registered 'by post' I feel could totally undermine our fair and safe system. The rule for postal votes should be that only people with the authority of a doctor's signature are allowed to have a postal vote.

The post office is no longer the special 'Her Majesty's Service' it used to be and letters go astray all the time, so what will happen if half the votes don't get there?

Do the House of Commons or the Lord's bring people back from abroad and from their sick beds into the House to vote. Obviously the MPs don't trust postal votes which will lead to abuse and fraud and there is enough of that -- please don't do it.

MARY HARTLEY (Mrs), Eskdale Gardens, Padiham.