I NOTE from North Somerset Life that Mr Ashton and his colleagues, who voted themselves massive increases in their allowances have had their feelings hurt by accusations

I NOTE from North Somerset Life that Mr Ashton and his colleagues, who voted themselves massive increases in their allowances have had their feelings hurt by accusations like 'greedy and obscene' and 'snouts in the trough'.They apparently felt the increases necessary as their allowances were substantially lower than the national average and would not attract high calibre candidates. Obviously they were unaware of these conditions when they applied for election.Perhaps they would have done better to note the lack of funds for many of the services the council should provide and the hard-pressed taxpayer, many of whom are on low incomes and do not enjoy final salary pensions.These people are struggling to pay the exorbitant council tax increase year on year and I am sure if they took the view of the vast majority of residents the message would be the same: 'Back to the trough'.ROGER NORVILL - Bleadon Hill, Weston