DR DAPHNE wrote concerning Forest of Dean District Council last week. I have to agree with her opinion. Considering the economic downturn and a number of areas where FODDC should be spending money – for example there are roads which have huge potholes all over the forest, which must surely impact on all our vehicles, in terms of wear and cost to maintain, not to mention from a safety aspect – and yet here we are with people being given expenses for non-essential trips. Perhaps the council would like to consider these facts and also think about those people who struggle to find the money for council tax before they plan their next spending spree. – Steve Powell, Yorkley Wood.