DEAR EDITOR - I feel I must reply to the nameless 'Spectator' who so freely insults the people of Lickey End.

We in Lickey End have a saying - 'If you want to find a fool in the country, then you have to take him with you.'

We reject the idea of an active parish council because we are not foolish enough to be 'conned' into paying for something we do not need. Parish councils have very limited powers, usually only advisory, to district councils, so why pay for what you do not need?

We at Lickey End are more proud of the name of our village. It is there for all to see. We do not hide behind 'Amused Spectator.' As for Mr Howard, we have a hall in Lickey End where the local playgroup meet, it has for many years - 50 to my knowledge - staged everything from whist drives to church services. Or is Mr Howard so short-sighted he has failed to see it?

J Glaze,

Alcester Road

Lickey End

Bromsgrove