I AM amazed by the spin put on council finances by Cllrs Hooke and Rolt.

They propose to abolish the town council. But all the costs would merely be transferred to an increased Andover levy.

And we would have to pay for another ballot despite having voted twice for a town council.

Of course, they won’t pay.

They don’t live in Andover.

Next they want to cut Test Valley councillor and employees’ pay to fund free parking.

Everyone, including councillors and council staff, is entitled to a fair rate for the job.

These rates are set independently to reflect this, not at the whim of individual councillors.

A rational review of staffing and councillor numbers could produce savings well in excess of their ill-thought proposals.

Although they call for cuts everywhere else they are reluctant to look closer to home.

Cllr Hooke commendably pays his allowance to Neighbourcare. But Cllr Rolt and most other UKIP councillors are paid over £16,000 each. In all they cost us £160,000 per year.

Perhaps they should look at this before cutting costs elsewhere.

Len Gates, Linton Drive, Andover