Madam, Mr Downham's outpouring of December 17th had it in a nutshell and it is worth repeating what he said: "Elected or co-opted, who cares as long as they have the community at heart..."

He would have us dispense with democracy. George Orwell would have made a book of it and saving the election money does not make it democratic. So what should we call this Linton-up-the-Creek: tyranny, oligarchy or 'rotten borough'?

Since I have never, ever mentioned Mr. Downham I begin to wonder what moved him. It reassures me to find that, as stand-in chairman, he seems at least to be aware that he is spending other people's money.

So what is troubling him? Margaret Thatcher? If it worries him so much, why doesn't he quit and make us both happy?

Linton Parish Council went under on May 3rd 2007 because the three persons nominated by the due date were not enough for a quorum. There has been no subsequent election and it would be interesting to know how one would go about re-establishing a parish council without one.

The point is that this unrepresentative body seems bent on appropriating more of our money.

Keith Horne, Gorsley