SIR – I respond to Cllr Laurenson’s letter of March 1, in which he says “Cuts are furthering the interests of rich elite”.
Your allegation that there were cuts at city council is incorrect – there were no new cuts to services in the city council budget for 2016/17. Cllr Laurenson, stating that there were is factually incorrect! 
I made no mention of the rise in county council tax in my earlier letter as I don’t sit on the county council and was clearly answering for the city council. As for furthering the rich elite, get real. City council tax rises for the highest band house owners were £5 for the year and for 73 per cent of the city equated to about 1p per day; again your assertions are simply being used to stir up issues where there are none.
You question the Tory policy of repaying our deficit and reducing the ever burgeoning welfare budget. The government were voted in on a very clear policy to do both, so why should we be campaigning against the very policies which people voted for? A cynic might think that your constant flow of letters to the WN is all about raising your profile prior to the forthcoming local elections, because when the voters look at your record of achievement you don’t have much to shout about. 
So what have you done for the residents of St Stephen’s in your four years as a councillor. You have consistently voted against council tax freezes, you voted against the 8-lane swimming pool, which the city badly needs and you have raised five motions; the topics of which I am sure the people of St Stephen’s are all interested in – The Robin Hood Tax, banning the use of snares on city land, recommending that the mayor be voted in on seniority alone, the hunting ban and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIPs). Do you really think that your record makes you a worthy candidate for the people of St Stephens? We’ll find out in May!
CLLR CHRIS MITCHELL
St Clement’s
Deputy Leader of the City Council


Irony over rail fares in EU
SIR – I was somewhat amused at the sweet irony of the letter from G B Dipper [WN.8/3/16] in which he quite rightly complained about the high rail fares that we have in this country.
The irony comes when he compares British rail fares with those of France and Italy. He then coupled this to stating “how is Britain being in the EU fair”. Since France and Italy are in the E. perhaps we should compare notes with them on how they do it.
Clive Smith
Malvern

No need to catch fish
SIR – I was interested to read your article about “community-spirited volunteers” rallying round to enhance Stackpool in Springfield Park, Kidderminster.
What a pity, however, that the pool will continue to be used for angling.
Fish are sensitive, aware creatures who experience pain and there is nothing sporting about spearing living animals on a hook, dragging them out of the water and leaving them struggling for life as they suffocate.
Nor is there a need need for fish to be caught and killed for food, as we can all live healthily without consuming them or any other animals or animal products.
Thankfully, an increasing number of people are becoming vegan or vegetarian and many others are reducing their consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dairy out of concern for the animals, the environment or their own health.
Ronald Lee
Wyre Forest Vegans & Veggies

Streets paved with gold?
SIR – How  can it be that Britain, with more than its fair share of homeless people, can accommodate  a large Somali family in a taxpayers’ £1.3 million  home – after downgrading from a £2 million one to escape benefits capping?
Saeed Khaliif  hasn’t done a day’s work since arriving. It’s a shocking example of how certain immigrants can come here and find the streets are paved with gold
Don’t even the authorities even bother to find out why he does not look for employment? What other country will give you such a lavish home and wads of cash to go with it?
GB DIPPER
Leominster

Get a voice
SIR – The phrase ‘patient centred care’ is often used but how often do we, as patients, feel we have a voice and can influence the quality of care that we and our loved ones receive?
 Nine out of 10 hospital patients  will see a radiographer.  
The Society and College of Radiographers wants more people to join its Public and Patient Liaison Group, made up of patients and carers. 
Members can influence the radiography profession about the issues that are important to them.
Visit the ‘About radiography’ section at sor.org.
Richard Evans
Chief executive, SOR