The cost of a parish council

Sir – In a few weeks Potters Bar residents will be asked to vote for a Parish Council. Before they vote we ask them to consider the implications. A parish council has limited powers, they can make decisions on allotments, open spaces, litter bins, public

Sir - In a few weeks Potters Bar residents will be asked to vote for a Parish Council. Before they vote we ask them to consider the implications.

A parish council has limited powers, they can make decisions on allotments, open spaces, litter bins, public lavatories and a number of other services which we believe are adequately dealt with already.

They are informed of any planning applications but, the decisions are made at borough, county or government level when it comes to large projects.

Letchworth formed a parish council three years ago. Its first precept was £160,000. January this year it had had risen to £600,000. Letchworth residents are up in arms about it and want the parish council scrapped. A parish council once formed cannot be reversed and they cannot be capped as borough and county councils can.

When the cost of living is rising so rapidly, do we need another layer of government to add to our already high bills?

Residents of Potters Bar, remember - everything comes at a cost.

Think before you vote yes!

Pauline and John Norris, Highview Gardens, Potters Bar.