MR Avenell is not alone in complaining about the high charges being imposed on the residents of Swindon.

The residents of North Wiltshire are in the same boat. North Wiltshire's councillors' expenses for 2002-03 were £202,562. Expenses for 2003-04 are yet to be published. I await with bated breath for this year's increase. The increases they awarded themselves were above the rate of inflation. Wiltshire County Council in 2003 awarded themselves a 12.5 per cent rise and had the audacity to say that it was approved by the regulating body. One wonders how many councillors would seek re-election if only petrol expenses were offered. Service above self obviously doesn't enter their vocabulary. So I say to the people of Swindon the adage of vote with your feet, as I shall at the next local elections.

(Mrs) WENDY ROBERTS

Wootton Bassett