IN the face of the worsening economy I am not surprised that Fenland District Council needs to save up to �750,000. Before any cuts are made affecting local institutions or whatever, the authority should discontinue its professional connections with Mr Ma

IN the face of the worsening economy I am not surprised that Fenland District Council needs to save up to �750,000.

Before any cuts are made affecting local institutions or whatever, the authority should discontinue its professional connections with Mr Mat Taylor based thousands of miles away, an odd procedure which has been queried by the national press.

Consultancy advice and relevant decisions should take place in the presence of consultants, councillors and officials based at Fenland Hall.

This is no less than hands-on experience and what ratepayers expect.

At the same time the authority might respond appropriately as do most penny-pinching property owners nowadays, and run a fine tooth comb over every department including the outlaying council offices and be seen keeping expenses to an absolute minimum.

TREVOR BEVIS

March