SIR – Baildon Parish Council is a waste of my money in that it spends more than 50p of every £1 I pay in running costs.

The last straw is that it should even contemplate spending £10k on a by-elelection for a councillor in a council that most people do not want.

If the candidates are really public-spirited they will decide among themselves who is best suited for the job, and this person will be allowed go forward unopposed at no cost to the electorate.

Otherwise, can anybody tell me how we can get rid of Baildon Parish Council?

I would happily donate my £7 plus tax allowance to a local charity where it would do far more good.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon