When I purchased my home in Trowbridge in 1969 the 'rates' (council tax) for my property was £9 a month, including water and sewerage charges.

I paid this sum by cheque to an elderly lady in an office in Warminster. Since that time County Hall has been renovated, extensively extended, and Bythesea Road has lost its terraced housing to provide County Hall with a car park.

In addition the West Wiltshire District Council offices have been built and extended in Bradley Road and several (two to my knowledge) police stations have been provided. Is it not time that we the council tax payers had a say in how much Government we need to run our services and what services they provide?

We have a MEP, MP, county council, district council, parish councils and town councils, police and now the fire service.

Trowbridge residents also have the museum to pay for.

Isn't it about time we trimmed back the administration to cut costs?

Lastly, in response to Cllr Jeff Osborn NO TAX IS FAIR.

Richard M.Hayes,

Paxcroft Way,

Trowbridge.