IT would appear that the furore over the enormous increase in this year's council tax has died down, as I have not noticed any letters in the Journal during the last few weeks.

However, I am still aggrieved about the cavalier way in which these increases are foisted upon us without any reference to or consultation with the ratepayers.

I have, therefore, cancelled my direct debit as a measure of protest.

This in fact achieves nothing, as I have now received a curt letter advising me that they will sue if it is not paid within seven days. I am not yet ready to go to jail for my views!! I have however, written a fairly strong letter to them.

I have also written to our local MP expressing my views.

I have had the courtesy of a lengthy reply, explaining the problems with county council funding.

Although sympathetic, there is nothing that he can currently do about the situation.

J L REID, Cheltenham Road, Evesham.