There will be many who would add their support to the views of Anthony Cory (Letters of the week, Feb 11).

I would like to remind those charged with the task of setting levels of local taxation that there are many who cannot tighten their financial belts much more.

Many live in country areas, where public transport and other amenities are hopelessly inadequate. Many are also pensioners, who, because of rising demands and lower interest rates in recent years, have seen their savings and other resources greatly reduced. They still have to run cars or resort to other means of transport in order to shop, and for other essential journeys.

Local government is big business. It requires innovative and enlightened thinking - the annual squeeze just won't do any longer. If appeals to reason and common sense still fall on deaf ears, there is a solution. We all have a vote. We have a duty to use it.

ROBERT RUSSELL

Liskeard