THANKS to your excellent reporting we are informed (again) of the shortcomings of this inadequate council.

Here we are, not even a third of the way through the financial year and already our elected representatives are crying poverty.

How long before the inevitable roadshow scare mongering against the old and infirm about closures to care homes, and schools suffering because of their incompetence?

This council is quick to offer excuses rather than answers regarding its mismanagement of public funds. Why should the electorate have to suffer continuing council tax rises when millions of pounds have been returned from the BCCI debacle?

People may remember two years ago when a council roadshow appealed to the electorate to hike up council taxes higher than Government guidelines or school and social services would suffer? The first thing the council did was to award themselves new increased expenses.

How much longer are we going to allow ourselves to be fleeced by people who are elected to act in our best interests. If the council has trouble balancing the budget perhaps the council ombudsman could offer some helpful advice.

Brian Attree.