Sir - After eight years, I have decided, with great reluctance, to stand down as a councillor.

It has been an enormous honour to represent the residents of Headington on Oxford City Council. I am enormously grateful that, on three occasions, the voters gave me the opportunity to serve their local community. I hope in some way I was able to repay that trust.

We live in an age of cynicism. I have lost count of the number of times I've heard some residents attempt to justify their apathy by saying something along the lines: You're all the same, or You're only in it for yourselves. Such statements are as unfair and untrue as they are ignorant and depressing.

Democracy matters: just ask the people in Zimbabwe. The differences between political parties may have shrunk over the years; if so, that is a response to the expressed preference of the public that they don't like extremists, whether of left or right. But differences remain, both at national and local levels. It is our duty as citizens to try to understand these so we can use our vote to reflect our own beliefs.

As for the idea that councillors do it for the money or prestige, well, anybody who goes into local politics with that expectation is in for a rude awakening! In my experience, the vast majority of councillors in all parties have a genuine belief they can do some good for their area. They may sometimes be misguided; but they are sincere.

It is easy to criticise: too easy. Those who stood for election this year have at least decided to do something to try and improve our city. For that at least, they deserve our thanks.

Stephen Tall , Lib Dem councillor, Headington ward (2000-08)