RECENTLY, in our papers, I saw a district councillor assisting in raising the red duster in the banjo outside the council offices at Coleford. The wrong flag was being used, it should have been the skull and crossbones. Who better to use the yard arm than a crew of pirates. I would add to the electorate, 'thee put 'em in, thee get 'em out.'

We have all read the names of the councillors who supported the car park charges. One should also add a prayer, 'O Lord above send down a dove with wings as sharp as razors, to cut the throats of all the councillors who steal off people and pensioners.'

One could ask 'Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do.'

Of the three main car parks situated around the council offices, all paid for and maintained by the rate payer, could one also print the wage structure and conditions of those employed at the Taj Mahal who do not pay a penny for parking?

And can one ask, do the so called mayors hold the position for life? Should it not be for one term only, ie one year.

It seems as if one wants a district councillor you only have to walk through either of our local towns with a camera on your back and they will appear like rats from a drain.

Is it not time to reduce the term of office for district councillors to a maximum of two years. The same should apply to planning, or do they hold that position for life?

– Mike Meredith-Edwards, Sling.