• I WAS surprised to read Mr Brescia and Ms de Villiers sound off about rubbish collection (Letters, February 9) without explaining why they have an axe to grind .

Their names seemed familiar – and, thanks to your news editor’s excellent blog – I realised why. It turns out that “ordinary residents” David and Chantelle are, in fact, Conservative council candidates here in NW6.

Surely it just slipped their minds to level with your readers and spell out that fact? Yes, it must have been an honest mistake. After all, it would be an unfortunate start to a campaign to win over voters if you couldn’t even be up front about it when you write to the paper.

MIKE KATZ, NW6