SIR - Labour councillor Rob Peachey is clearly trying it on with his comments about the Guildhall.

This claim that the Orchard Street council offices are expensive are the opposite of the truth.

As a senior councillor he knows that these offices are modern and cost-effective.

Moreover, the council got rid of old offices and has concentrated staff efficiently on one site.

This is good value for the public's money.

The cabinet will not rule out cafe plans for two reasons.

Firstly, we want to draw more people into the Guildhall to use this wonderful, but under-used, building more. Councillors of all parties agree with encouraging a cafe culture.

Ironically, Mr Bayliss - who has been all over the papers complaining - has said that although he wasn't keen on a Costa coffee, he wouldn't mind a Spud-u-like!

Secondly, Worcester is seriously underfunded by the Government.

Labour councillors have recently signed a letter to ministers agreeing that is so and pleading for more money.

We councillors have a moral and public duty to examine every opportunity to raise money to protect local services and our staff's jobs.

Can any councillor refuse to do this and then look in the eye of the residents whose services they would cut and the workers they would make redundant? I for one, can not.

F D LANKESTER, Worcester.