SIR - I read in the Worcester News (January 31) that both our councils are about to decide on a near double inflation rate increase in taxation.

That being so, can we expect a near double increase in both extent and quality of the services provided severally and jointly? I think not. We are seeing across the city and county a material decrease in quality of service - I choose as an example the very poor condition of road surfaces.

Tybridge Street has recently been patched for a large number of potholes.

The repairs are terrible! A child with a mud-pack could perform a better repair. Across the board, road repairs by utilities contractors need to be monitored much more closely to prevent sinking and humping resulting in further deterioration.

I am sick and tired of crunching in and out of potholes and worn-out roads in this county - it plays merry hell with my arthritic hip.

IAN GEORGII, Worcester.