I WAS astounded at the comments made by the MP for Christchurch whose assertion that it would be political suicide for councillors seemed to indicate that the welfare of councillors should be the leading ‘driver’.

He also suggested that things should be left as they are as ‘people seem happy with them’.

I don’t think Mr Chope quite understands the bald fact that without the government subsidies which are due to be withdrawn it is utterly impossible for councils to continue in the same way. This is not speculation or anything to do with their efficiency – it’s an economic fact.

Perhaps, Mr Chope, you would prefer to do this another way and step the consultation back a stage to give people a more basic choice of: 1) paying a huge increase in council tax, 2) face massive cuts to services, for example go from weekly to monthly refuse collections or 3) merge councils so that savings to make up for the subsidy can be made.

I know which most people would choose, so stop making idiotic comments and try being a bit more constructive. Yes, people probably would like things to stay as they are but this simply isn’t an option.

NANCY CURTIS

Sea Road, Boscombe

Want to respond to this letter for publication? send us a letter