I WRITE with reference to the recommendation proposed by an independent panel to increase the allowances of our trusted councillors. Firstly, are our councillors worth an increase of such monumental proportions? Secondly, do they deserve an increase at al

I WRITE with reference to the recommendation proposed by an independent panel to increase the allowances of our trusted councillors.Firstly, are our councillors worth an increase of such monumental proportions?Secondly, do they deserve an increase at all, considering their past record?Thirdly, with the degree of percentage increase if adopted, are we the taxpayers to believe our councillors' rate of efficiency, effort and performance will increase by the same percentage as their new revised rates of allowances will have risen as reported last week, i.e.: * Cllr Nigel Ashton, increase in allowances £11,500 = 54.8 per cent. * Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, increase in allowances £7,248 = 40.6 per cent. * Six executive members, increase in allowances £6,881 = 43.7 per cent.* All other councillors, increase in allowances £1,521 = 24.1 per cent.These statistics make good reading for the many pensioners living within the boundaries of North Somerset.D A STANLEY - Castle Hill, Banwell