Criticised for airing an honest opinion

IT seems that whatever Mr Batson says (Jan 29) he is savaged by some for airing an honest opinion.

We do not seem to have any contact now with councillors as ward forums are no more. Councillors rarely come knocking on our doors – so how can people communicate with these 56 who do not seem to bother with their wards?

If the councillors do not make themselves available to us, how do they know what we approve of – or not, as the case may be.

There is no way we can have our say any more about how they spend our money.

If our money was used wisely, perhaps folk would have no need to write letters.

If people like Mr Batson write to our local paper giving a point of view, he is criticised for telling it how it is.

If a lot of people write and give an opinion, then surely they are justifying freedom of speech? But some of us, who have been to universities and college, are then apparently given sarcastic titles by some when they hope they are not being overheard. They will know who they are if reading this paper.

If you do a bad job out in retail or industry or in general, you would be dealt with and could lose your position and have to find a new job.

However our councillors never seem to take any notice that they also could face being voted off the council in the forthcoming elections.

Let us have more communication with this council. Councillors – talk to the people and listen to the people. It is the people who elect you.

A cleaner can hold a first-class degree – we had a refuse man who had a degree and a really nice chap he was. People in this day and age take jobs as to earn money as there is not much on offer in this City of Culture. So councillors, let us have some more work from you. After all, you get your money – whether you earn it is another matter. Sandra Camwell Keresley