IN response to the letter from Councillor Steven Van de Kerkhove (February 18), I am pleasantly surprised to find a newly elected town councillor taking such an interest in the town s affairs so early since his election. We never hear from most of the oth

IN response to the letter from Councillor Steven Van de Kerkhove (February 18), I am pleasantly surprised to find a newly elected town councillor taking such an interest in the town's affairs so early since his election. We never hear from most of the other Lib-Dem councillors.

However he seems to have missed the whole problem with the budget. First there is a very small amount of money in the general reserve, and it has been severely depleted since the Lib-Dems have had overall control of the town council two years ago. The town council's responsible finance officer pointed out to the full council that the reserve is way below the recommended amount for this council.

Then there is the little matter of the continuing loss of �75,000 on the Priory every year. This appears to be acceptable to the Lib Dems.

To make the future look worse, next year the new community centre in the Eatons will open. There is no business plan in place as yet. Are the residents of this town confident that the new community centre will be successful when the existing one has never succeeded? Could this be another foolhardy venture to the cost of the Council Tax payer?

One of the council members is a chartered accountant. He has pointed out that the budget is flawed in several respects. However, our council leader, with no accountancy experience or qualifications, claims he know best.

RODNEY BIRD

The Paddocks

St Neots