WITH basic councillor allowances starting at £7,050 (plus extras for additional responsibilities) it is no wonder that being on the council has become a "family affair" with spouses and siblings also joining the local government "gravy train".

And it is a myth that such high remuneration necessarily attracts the best people.

I object to my compulsory council tax payments being used to finance a more lavish lifestyle for them. If more taxpayers demanded a return to basic council allowances then we might get councillors concerned with the welfare of our town instead of themselves.

J. C. (Mrs),

Moss Shaw, Radcliffe.