I'D like to agree with Graham Gardener's vigorous comments (Your Letters, June 28) about parish councillors and the new Code of Conduct.

I too have listened to the argument that we as volunteers should not need to be subject to such rigorous regulation as district councillors, county councillors or MPs who receive a salary or allowances for attendance or holding a portfolio.

It may well be that if we were paid a small notional allowance for our contribution we should more readily understand our real obligations in local government? As he says, it is not like other kinds of volunteering where one may relinquish one's voluntary tasks immediately if need be with no long-term obligation to the client.

As parish councillors we are charged to a greater or lesser extent with looking after the finances of our local community, staff employed, upkeep of equipment and buildings, with good housekeeping of the precept (other people's money) and are consultees in the planning process. We are as liable as MPs, county councillors or district councillors to improper suggestion or to allowing ourselves to be swayed by personal notions.

This is no hobby, we take decisions on behalf of others and I entirely accept Mr Gardener's challenge that if we do not wish (as stakeholders?) to aspire to best practice, ethical conduct and transparency ensuring parish council business is conducted to the highest standards and actively working to enhance its good reputation, we should perhaps reconsider the nature of our commitment?

WENDY HANDS, Church Walk, Upton-upon-Severn.