I WOULD like to pay tribute to Cllr Bill Osbourne who valiantly tried so hard to take Lydney forward during 2011/2012 from the previous embarrassing debacle.

Bill, a man who passionately wears his heart on his sleeve, may at this time be angry and upset, but will quickly politically and effectively recover, of that I?have no doubt.

However, it does reinforce my belief that in this day and age there is no need for the archaic and irrelevant position of Mayor. Indeed, 22 councillors spread over three authorities (Town, District and County) in towns like Lydney are far too many.

Seven committed approachable, non-grudge bearing, non-kudos-seeking, right reason, passionate individuals would suffice. Related savings on unnecessary bureaucratic paraphernalia would be immense.

Cutting councillors by a third, cutting non-effective public servant posts proportionately (from the top down) and allow "proper" jobs in the NHS, Armed Services and Police to be retained and reinforced.

– Alan Preest, UKIP.