Firstly there was NOT a one hour history lesson given, but a 10 minute introduction to explain the links of the town hall to the town, an architect's appraisal that the building was 'sound' - contrary to ELDC's version of the truth, and a 10 minute presentation of possibilities for future uses and then a three or four minutes to interested parties to give their views.

Mrs. Traves - who was overwhelmingly elected by the public as chairman - did have to control the amount of speaking time to give everyone a fair hearing.

Clearly their IS much confusion, and this situation has not been helped at all by the reticence of ELDC to make any sort of definitive statement over the last two or three years - EVEN THOUGH they have known for this time that the townspeople have regularly demonstrated that they do wish to keep the town hall, or identical-sized new building.

Sir Peter Tapsell is correct to say that money is the crux of the matter, and whilst ELDC continue to be shy about what they might contribute to any decided scheme, they plead 'empty coffers' all of the time.

In this context therefore, it should not be forgotten that ELDC are spending £15.5m on a sports centre for Louth residents - £1.5m on Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa - have just hiked their allowances up by £22,000 to £330,000 (averaging £5,500 per councillor) - and given the chief executive a staggering 30 per cent pay increase to £130,000 per annum.

With a reported £45,000 per week additionally coming into ELDC in investment income - the coffers are NOT empty - the monies are simply not being spent fairly or prudently to the benefit of the wider community, though - inevitably, the 'gravy train' for some keeps rolling along whatever other requirements there are!

Ron Fisher
Hemingby Way
Horncastle