I NOTICED that there has been a vacancy for a councillor in Billinge/Seneley Green ward caused by the resignation of Alison Bacon last May.

I can only assume that everything has run smoothly as, to date, no-one has felt the need to a by-election. It is normal procedure for one of the political parties to prompt such action.

Could it be that they are looking at the considerable savings that could accrue, both in terms of saving the costs of an election and also the allowances that the new councillor would have been entitled to claim?

There is no doubt that the rapid expansion of modern technology has eased councillors’ administrative workload, leaving more time to deal with residents’ problems.

Given that Billinge/Seneley Green is one of the largest wards in the borough in terms of resident numbers, and also area to be covered, and has managed for so long with only two councillors, perhaps now is the time to consider whether wards really do need three councillors?

The annual savings on 16 councillors would be considerable. I wonder if this might be the reason for the delay?

Wally Ashcroft

Dentons Green