Reading the Christmas message from the leader of Hounslow Council, Peter Thompson, (Chronicle, December 24).

I first thought that he had been visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, who had just had a change of heart.

Then I realised it was none of them but the spectre of Christmas spin.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that Cllr Thompson was quoted saying we do not exist as a council to employ people. On the one hand Cllr Thompson backs the axe wielding destruction of jobs and services and then has the temerity to thank council staff for working over Christmas looking after the vulnerable.

I ask this question: when are the council staff council staff? Are the staff referred to directly employed by the council or contract/agency staff? On greatly reduced terms and conditions.

I hope that the good wishes and especially that of a happy, prosperous New Year are extended to all the employees that find themselves unemployed due to this Tory administration's policies.

Ironically there are still some people who continue to enjoy all the benefits of direct employment - the councillors - with the added bonus of setting their own pay rises.

I believe most of Cllr Thompson's words and deeds are more akin to that of Scrooge than that of a caring public servant.

Bah humbug!

IAN WESTOLL Belgrave Road, Hounslow.