BARRY PHELPS (Letters, March 5) really needs to understand that borough residents are quite a sophisticated bunch.

Many have achieved senior positions in industry, the professions etc, so when they make criticism of the way the borough spends their money he should be humble enough to pay attention. Plans such as Exhibition Road, Holland Park School, the £26million Town Hall refurbishment scheme and the cost of the "leadership". Last, but not least, the vast reserves, the result of the gross over-taxing of residents in the last few years.

For most taxpayers, TPA is an essential brake on councillors "whose extravagance knows no bounds" - to steal a quote from Lady Black.

No one has taken 'pot shots' at the council. Most are sensible Conservatives, who as individuals, pressure groups or residents' associations have made perfectly legitimate comment about how the council disposes of their taxes.

Barry may not like it, but in case he has forgotten it's called democracy and it is he who is off-target to suggest that recent critics have any other agenda than opposing waste.

For those of us who have heard him harangue the opposition, his comments caused mild amusement!

Justin Downes Residents First!