Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 1:00pm

Burning issue

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I AM writing regarding the article in the Post 'Burns booze-up' (January 20).

I agree with councillor Geoff Calvert's opinion on Provost Denis Agnew's booze-up.

I feel the Provost was being very insensitive and he is coming over as showing that he could not care less about the extra charges our council is putting on to vulnerable and low paid workers within the West Dunbartonshire area.

The £600 cost may not seem a lot to the Provost but this is more than one month's wages to a vast majority of West Dunbartonshire tax payers.

This is nearly two months charges for a second child place at Garshake Nursery, which the council has just increased.

Most sensible people know that charges on services have to go up to meet rising costs and tax payers are going to find themselves in situations where they have to prioritise for the sake of their families.

Knowing that some of their hard-earned money went on a free booze night for councillors will not sit well.

The Provost most definitely did not have his sensible head on when he put out invites to councillors for this free party.

He should have asked the councillors to pay for it out of their own pockets just like every other person who is attending a Burns' Night supper will do.

And might I add that as far as I am concerned, tax payers' money should never be used for the Provost to hold free drinking sessions or parties no matter what the reason.

Recession or not, councillors can afford to pay for their own nights out as they are well enough paid.

Doreen Birkett, address supplied