SIR - I am amazed at the lengths Worcester Tory councillors are now plummeting.

The decision to increase charges for the use of the cemetery and cremation in the city by huge inflation- busting increases is too shocking for words.

They are now tearing the money from the pockets of some of the most vulnerable and distressed members of society.

Grieving relatives have little or no choice but to use the publicly owned facilities in the city; they are simply taking advantage of their monopoly position.

Cemeteries and crematoria are public services, not to be used by the local authority as a means to make profit.

Yes, charges are needed, but they are to recover costs not to make money for a council who are unable or unwilling to put their own finances in order.

I am sure the Tory councillors of yesteryear who invested in these services to help Worcester citizens on their final journey would be spinning in their graves, but today's Tory councillors would probably charge them for that as well.

RICHARD UDALL, Worcestershire County Councillor