YOU should never underestimate the strength of people power.
Nationally, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his fellow Labour MPs can be in no doubt about the widespread concern, and anger, felt by the public about the rising cost of fuel and household items.
The results of the local elections and recent by-election will have let Mr Brown and his party know that many people are far from confident that those at the helm are steering the nation in the right direction through increasingly choppy waters.
At a local level, last week there was another small example of how people power can make a difference.
Rats have become a blight of many town and borough residents. Unfortunately, paying the price to deal with the vermin has added to the household bills.
Pensioners are among those who have had to foot the cost. However, after a concerted campaign by residents, the borough’s leaders are now set to reinstate the valued free rat-catching service for the over-60s.
This is another small victory for people power and, once again, it shows how the public’s voice can, and will, be heard.