WITH the referendum fast approaching I was shocked to read the results of a study that showed the vast majority of us are largely in the dark about the EU, from what it does to who represents us, and why it was created in the first place.

I know I myself was quite unaware of the goings on until I was fortunate enough to work in Brussels, and I'd encourage readers to write to their elected MEPs in the European Parliament and have a browse online at the websites of the European Commission and the European Council before making their decision, or indeed taking too much to heart from either of the campaigns in this debate.

We have six MEPs that represent the South West (and Gibraltar), and as they're elected proportionally, unlike at home, the chances are there's at least one you'd voted for.

You can write to them directly or by email, and all at once through writetothem.com.

It's great to see so many in and around Kingswood taking an active role in the debate and I hope that if we do choose to remain that people will take more action in holding politicians to account and addressing our democratic deficit at home.

Tom Hathway

Counterpool Road

Kingswood

Bristol