Sir, Further to my published letter (Council increase) of December 31. The fourth paragraph asked that all parishes and towns ask their respective county councillor to a public meeting to explain why they voted the way they did – regarding the 19 per cent increase in allowances.

I contacted my own, Cholsey Parish Council, with a view for a public meeting to held for the purpose of our county councillor Mark Gray to explain why he abstained on such an important matter.

I have been informed as follows: “I have discussed your request with the vice-chair of the parish council James Butler. We do not believe that the action of our county councillor is a parish council matter. Perhaps you could take the issue up with Mr Gray directly”.

I have replied that I will not discuss the issue privately with councillor Gray as I think county councillor Gray is answerable to the public and parish council, not to me directly. Is this request unreasonable?

David S Weaver

West End

Cholsey