I was one of many local people who attended the general election hustings held at the United Reform Church, Dorchester.

Thankfully our democratic system is open to the opportunity for the electorate to hear from those who are asking us to vote for them.

Sadly the experience reflected and reinforced all our concerns with the current political system with its binary tribalism and absence of constructive collaboration for the common good.

What we heard in Dorchester were disappointing and very limited contributions from both candidates representing the two main political parties while those from the Liberal Democrat and Green parties offered a different way forward that might actually deliver meaningful change and a more cohesive future for us all.

Surely now is the time for the people of West Dorset to vote for real change, and on December 12 we all have the opportunity to do just that.

Barbara Lane

Grey School Passage

Dorchester