SIR – I thank Cllr Markiewicz for his reply (WHT, 23/1/08) to my request for an update on council promises made in a five-year plan leaflet. However, I am sure he will appreciate the reasons for my scepticism. In the leaflet it is stated: We will valu

SIR - I thank Cllr Markiewicz for his reply (WHT, 23/1/08) to my request for an update on council promises made in a five-year plan leaflet.

However, I am sure he will appreciate the reasons for my scepticism.

In the leaflet it is stated: "We will value our employees and the contribution they make to the well-being of the district."

Ever since then the council has been trying to reduce staff numbers by means of privatisation.

The current issue of the WHT states: "Privatisation could lead to redundancies" and that: "The heart of the council is being ripped out."

But let the councillor answer a problem I have.

A year or two ago I reported that a lamppost outside my house was damaged and in a dangerous condition.

The council response was rapid and very efficient, but my call to the council to report the problem raised another one. When giving the location of this post I gave its number and added that it was the one with the notice, Warning, street wardens patrol the area, to which the response was: "I have no record of this being a patrolled area."

I have lived in this house for more than 40 years and have never seen a warden pass by.

Cllr Markiewicz, is this area being patrolled? If not, how many citizens are also living with a false sense of security?

Incidentally, this light and the one on a similar post at the other end of the road, remain on 24/7.

S Stevens, Birds Close, WGC.