I read with great interest the comments made by Kennet district councillors as to why they should or should not take the hefty rise in their allowances.

I always understood that you went into local government because you wanted to give something back to the community, not line your pockets.

Instead the comment made by Coun Chris Humphries (Con, Aldbourne) is ludicrous, and chairman Peter Veasey (Con, Shalbourne) should be ashamed by his comments.

Elected representatives should be able to claim travelling expenses but they are not there to earn a salary, the officers do that.

Councillors are not elected by the voters to earn their living at the town halls but to look after the best interest of those who put them there.

They should remember this when it comes to election time.

D J. Walker

Great Bedwyn