I find the lack of response from Evening Press readers to the proposal by Selby District Councillors to award themselves a salary ('Councillors to get wage', December 5) somewhat mystifying.

Do they not realise it is they who will have to fund these salaries, and what say are they being given in this process? Coun Howson has, in my opinion, put his very large foot in his mouth by stating that no one does anything for nothing these days.

As previously mentioned by one correspondent on this page, school governors are volunteers and they do not have the benefit of attendance allowance or expenses, let alone the option of a salary.

If this scheme does come to fruition can we expect local elections (at district level) to be dispensed with?

Will there be local interviews and if so will they be staffed by serving councillors?

Can we also assume that once councillors are salaried their attendance at all parish council meetings can be guaranteed? After all, surely they will then be bound by their job description.

David Rhodes,

The Shrubberies,

Cliffe,

Selby.

Updated: 11:07 Wednesday, December 12, 2001