I TOTALLY agree with Coun Rob Richards in his letter of May 4 when he says residents should know the facts concerning local councils.

Unfortunately, he has his facts wrong. It is well known Malvern Town Council is in the control of the Liberal Democrats, supported by the Greens. Following the last town council election, a number of councillors had to be co-opted. It was significant those who stated they were Conservatives were not selected.

With regard to Malvern Hills District Council's budget deficit of over £1 million the Conservative/Independent Group inherited from the previous Liberal Democrat-controlled council, he is also wrong. As a newer member of the council he has obviously not been fully briefed by his Liberal Democrat colleagues as to the nature of the Council Tax problems created while they were in control.

Yes, the Conservative/Independent Group did support and participate in setting the final budget of the old Council. What he failed to point out was that this budget was the first step in solving the severe problems from the previous year's budget. The latter was strongly opposed by the Conservatives, who rightly, warned of problems ahead.

On a further point, if Liberal Democrats support Council Tax increases not being more than inflation, why did they vote against this future target in full council?

COUN ALEC WALL, Bank Street, Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells.