I AM dismayed at the apparent widespread hostility in the area to the new Code of Conduct for parish councillors - the comments of Bill Wiggin being a case in point (Malvern Gazette, June 21).

The Code of Conduct is intended to promote good practice, ethical conduct and transparent working in public life. I have read it and would sincerely hope that every parish councillor already adhered to its principles.

Parish councillors argue that as 'unpaid volunteers' they should not be subject to such legislation. This is a completely unreasonable stance.

Volunteering does not equate to a licence to do as one pleases. Moreover, parish councillors have a legal status very different from other volunteers, since parish councils are a formal part of local government, not an autonomous institution. They are public servants, and therefore it is right and proper they abide by the broad principles laid down for other public servants.

Put bluntly, if any parish councillor is unwilling to sign up to the Code of Conduct, it is questionable as to whether they should be holding office in the first place.

GRAHAM GARDENER, Coombe Green, Birtsmorton.