I AM deeply grateful to the Borderlines Film Festival and The Courtyard arts centre for the experience of two marvellous weeks.

The range and quality of films and the ambience created brought in wide audiences with the happiest of mingling and exchange of views – whether of disturbing personal dramas or political extremes, from local talent with the Rural Media Company and Women’s Aid to the breathtaking technique and philosophy of Life of Pi, from the edge of the world to the Golden Valley.

The struggle of the human spirit unfolded. It was inspiring.

Viewing such tragic behaviour as in The Hunt (the audience recommended film), I did not agree with the choice but value the strong feelings it aroused and the discussion it provoked.

In these times when politicians are demanding cuts, we can retreat from problems too big to face.

It is a privilege to see the arts in action, bringing people together to face complex human struggle. What else can so focus our compassion and encourage us to reach out to others?

And on the last day we had Ken Loach’s Spirit of ’45, vividly conveying the dire physical state of the nation and the conviction of the way to rebuild at the end of the Second World War.

The same determination that won the war was based on the belief in the ordinary citizen counting. Everyone mattered – everyone could make a difference.

Today we have the Core Strategy Consultation where we are asked to contribute our vision.

How many citizens know that they need to be involved – that it is anything other than a superficial exercise?

It is such a struggle to tick the right box. We must be wary of being offered false choices.

“Necessary services”, “targets”

and “consultation” are empty words without full facts and costings and can be based on contested assumptions.

A paper exercise is no substitute for public meetings, hard questioning and attention to detail – a passion for getting it right.

The Diamond Jubilee and Olympic celebrations here in Hereford showed community spirit and what we value.

Talented people worked together celebrating a society we are proud to be part of.

It is easy to destroy, to disregard unpleasant facts or dangerous ideas. Can we cherish the good and face unwelcome options?

I believe the people of Herefordshire have that spirit and do not want councillors to feel they are too overwhelmed by present difficulties to risk alienating the people of Herefordshire’s commitment.

BARBARA FERRIS, Wits End, Dinedor.