EARLY last week the council tax demand for 2011/12 arrived through local letterboxes. To date, Monday morning March 28 0830, I have received verbally (some not nice) over 20 complaints/comments concerning the circa 25 per cent rise deanded by Lydney Town Council.

Page 13 of the booklet that accompanies the council tax demand highlights the differences financially between Lyd­ney and the three other Forest towns.

The MP's office is also now in receipt of complaints regarding the Lydney rise. Mark Harper is in no way responsible for the rise. Neither am I.

The responsibility falls firmly at the door of Lydney Town?Council, yet Lydney Town Council has failed for whatever reason (make your own mind up) to give a much needed explanation in details of the circumstances pertaining to this rise. Lack of moral courage and "shirking one's responsibilities" are comments that have been spoken to me about the situation. I find it hard to disagree.

I do not regret bringing this sorry affair to light and this attempting to identify culpability. What I do regret is the arrogant way Lydney Town Council has handled this affair seemingly all too happy to turn a blind eye whilst burying their heads deep in the Severn sandbanks.

Contact details for all Lydney Town councillors are available on the noticeboard outside the Co-operative store in town. I'm sure they will be delighted to receive your call.

– District Cllr Alan Preest, Lydney North.