SIR - Having read your article about Councillor Paul Cromie giving more than 200 pensioners a £5 goodwill donation and £100 to a community fund this Christmas out of his personal councillor's allowance (T&A, January 2) I say good for him.

Because he is a British National Party member everyone thinks he is bribing his constituents.

I remember the time when all councillors did the job for the good of the community and were not paid whatsoever.

Now it has become a free for all and they seem to grab anything they can. They will not admit they do. However, it seems to me and many more pensioners like me the expenses claimed are excessive and out of control.

It is refreshing to hear Coun Cromie saying a councillor should not be paid for being a councillor. I have not heard of anyone else on the council saying the same.

Ernest Thomas, Lower Kipping Lane, Thornton