Published: Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010 2:49pm

Insensitive idea

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I AM writing regarding the article in the Reporter 'Burns booze-up' (January 19).

I agree with councillor Geoff Calvert's opinion on Provost Denis Agnew's 'booze-up'.

I feel the Provost is being very insensitive and is coming [across] like he could not care less about the extra charges our council is putting on to vulnerable and low paid workers within the West Dunbartonshire area.

As Councillor Calvert said: "How appropriate is it to host a free booze-up for councillors which has to be paid for by the Council Tax payers of West Dunbartonshire?"

The Provost replies with: "The Burns celebration is going to cost about £600."

Well, this may not seem a lot to the Provost, but this is over one month's wages to a vast majority of West Dunbartonshire tax payers.

This is nearly two months' charges for a second child place at Garshake Nursery, which the council has just increased.

Most sensible people know that charges on services have to go up to meet rising costs and tax payers are going to find themselves in situations where they have to prioritise for the sake of their families.

Knowing that some of their hard-earned money is going to a free booze night for councillors will not sit well.

The Provost most definitely did not have his sensible head on when he put out invites to councillors for this free party.

He should have asked the councillors to pay for it out of their own pockets just like every other person who is attending a Burns' Night supper will do.

And might I add that as far as I am concerned, tax payers' money should never be used for the Provost to hold free drinking sessions or parties no matter what the reason.

Recession or not, councillors can afford to pay for their own nights out as they are well enough paid.

Doreen Birkett, Alexandria