ARE opinion polls a good thing? Every election, be it national or local, polls are carried out in the press and on TV.

In seats where a candidate seems to be heading for an overwhelming majority many voters are said to be apathetic because they do not consider it worthwhile turning out.

They regard it as a foregone conclusion. But as we have seen in the past, polls can get it wrong.

If people are being influenced by them, surely that is a bad thing for democracy?

K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.