I am absolutely delighted that Ms Tillotson takes an interest in the workings of Caradon. I am equally pleased that she supports one of my key election pledges to work for open and accountable local democracy. However I am afraid I cannot agree with two of her comments.

Firstly her allegation that the cost of electronic voting is unwarranted. The half-year between July and December 1999 there were 91 meetings at Caradon. These include Full Council and Planning Services, (requiring attendance of all 41 Councillors); 8 Sub-Committees (requiring the attendance of half the 41 members) AND 34 Working Parties and Panels (with an average of 10 members). Our Officers estimate that the time taken to manually record decisions is approximately 3 minutes per decision based on 41 Councillors. Most meetings would have in the region of 30 decisions to make. This means in the worst scenario one and a half hours added to meeting time. Meetings can last anything from 2 hours to 5 hrs. I believe this is quite unacceptable in monetary terms (staff wages of £8.40 per hour) and time to all involved - which includes members of the public who are able to attend.

Furthermore the digital electronic conference system I prefer has many other advantages. For example to those with audio impairment as the sound quality is far superior. Many Councils are opting to modernise in this way. Some are even hiring the system out and far from being a financial burden it has become a money-maker. Incidentally Labour Minister, Margaret Beckett, is endeavouring to modernise the House of Commons by instatement of the deluxe smart card version of this system (Daily Telegraph - 13/12/99). This system enables full accord with the Governments modernisation criteria of efficiency, transparency, accountability and higher standards.

My second point is that I cannot decry the right of our refuse collection team to enjoy a Christmas holiday break commensurate with a afforded to so many other workers in this country. It was, indeed, unfortunate they way this year's dates fell meaning a longer break than usual.

I also fully understand that it is extremely frustrating and inconvenient to keep rubbish for two weeks in most cases.

Inconvenient it may be - life threatening it is not. However I believe we should exercise civic responsibility in ensuring our neighbours are not caused any nuisance from damaged sacks sprawled over pavements. It takes little extra time to recycle what we can, ensure tins are rinsed, that perishables which cause odour are well wrapped and that bags are stored in bins to avoid scavenging animals and birds. Christmas is only once a year but it is Christmas for our refuse workers also.

Caradon employees will always turn out when there is an emergency situation. I cite the recent occasion at Christmas when some of Caradon's Environmental Services team selflessly turned out on the bank holiday days to deliver sandbags to those devastated by recent flooding. I am sure all of them would have rather had feet up in front of the fire with their families.

COUNCILLOR DAWN AUSTIN

Liskeard