I WISH to thank all those readers of the Weston & Somerset Mercury who contributed to North Somerset Council's budget consultation. Many residents attended our drop-in consultation sessions and let me know their views face-to-face. Many more wrote to me,

I WISH to thank all those readers of the Weston & Somerset Mercury who contributed to North Somerset Council's budget consultation.Many residents attended our drop-in consultation sessions and let me know their views face-to-face. Many more wrote to me, council officials or other councillors to offer their ideas and suggestions. Others contributed to the debate through the letters pages of the Mercury.We are determined to listen to what local people have to say and to try to reflect our shared priorities in setting our budget and council tax for 2006/07.As we approach the final budget-setting meeting at the end of this month, I want to assure your readers that the process does not end here. We will continue to fight to get a fair share of Government cash for North Somerset. We will continue to do all we can to cut costs and work more efficiently and effectively.Most importantly of all, we will continue to listen and to work hard to deliver the services and facilities local people rightly demand.CLLR MIKE BELLExecutive Member of Finance and Performance, North Somerset Council