THE news that Kennet District councillors have awarded themselves a substantial increase in expense allowances prompted some very interesting letters from your correspondents.

Some of the councillors, for example, who almost always describe themselves as 'hard working', seem to want the money as payment for services rendered.

The idea of salaried councillors is not new. Many countries have them. Were we ever to do so, I would hope that some more rigorous form of selection was introduced, to establish the credentials of candidates for the work.

For example, is their knowledge of the law, or accounting or modern business practice adequate? The present election process pays little attention to such details.

It would be useful to know exactly what Kennet councillors do which is such 'hard work'? Do they all work equally hard? How many hours do they spend doing it? Does it make them sweat? Above all, do we actually need 43 of them to do it? If not there is an obvious way to make savings.

D MORRIS

Devizes