I SEE in the national newspapers today, April 10, 2011, that our district council in Coleford has now achieved national acclaim under a headline '4,000 jobs created as councils cut their services.'

It appears that certain councils, including our district council, are cutting vital services the public needs, such as tokens for dial-a-ride buses and weekly rubbish collections, at the same time as they are creating unneccessary jobs at the taxpayer's expense.

The councils then blame central government cuts for the loss of services.

The Forest of Dean council is advertising for a 'Healthy Walks Co-ordinator', at a salary of £14,733 to £15,444, working with an already existing position of 'Lifestyle Coach'. This salary is a larger amount than the transport token scheme!

What other jobs have the district council spent our money on, and why are the above mentioned positions considered to be more important than weekly rubbish collections and free transport to the elderly and infirm ? Cancel them both and keep our vital services!

It appears that the district council is among the group who haven't got the message yet about the terrible economic situation the national government has inherited, and this urgently requires attention prior to the forthcoming elections. Every incumbent district councillor should stand up to be counted before the public considers placing any crosses on ballot papers.

– Ralph Perry, Lydney.