MADAM, in response to Mr Keith Horne's sad,  complaining letter published on 26th November, which quotes Margaret Thatcher and Dennis Skinner, hardly experts at the heart of local government being yesterday's woman and a national joke respectively. I agree with Mr Horne, party politics are indeed an anathema to local government. They do not normally enter into Parish Council business in Linton and Gorsley.

Some ten years ago the Council had several vacancies.No-one requested an election (which costs well over £1,000) so the Parish Council was required by law to co-opt members. I understand that one of the parishioners who came forward was Mr Horne no less! He was accepted and so was a contributor to that about which he complains. No apologies in his letter!

Things appear to have improved since he left. For example Mr Horne complains about the allotments. Councillors have spent a considerable amount of money plus hard voluntary work to put those allotments in good order. Each of 25 are now rented out at £52 per year. This will soon recoup the original outlay and there is a waiting list, proving they are a welcome asset in the community. 

Mr Horne's complaint fails to describe, let alone cost, an alternative. Instead he claims that the administration of allotments could be 'put in the care of less extravagant folk'. Councillors are not paid a stipend. What could be less extravagant?

Nigel Vandyck via email