THERE have been two LibDem propaganda pamphlets dated Jan/Feb 2007 which have stated Uttlesford s reserves. The first produced by the three LibDem councillors for Audley ward says our reserves are £6million. The second and simultaneous leaflet produced

THERE have been two LibDem propaganda pamphlets dated Jan/Feb 2007 which have stated Uttlesford's reserves.

The first produced by the three LibDem councillors for Audley ward says our reserves are £6million.

The second and simultaneous leaflet produced by the three LibDem councillors for Castle ward says our reserves are £3.0 million.

Last week the budget for the forthcoming year announced by Cllr Mark Gayler forecasts that our reserves will fall to £440,000 and of course if this trend continues we will be in debt the following year.

This picture compares with the reserves of £11million inherited by the LibDems in 2003.

The fact LibDem councillors can't agree between themselves on the level of our reserves is quite laughable. Have they not all been told the true gravity of our position? Who is trying to pull the wool over whose eyes? Apart from misleading us are they misleading each other?

I have just turned up the Audit Commission's latest annual report letter on Uttlesford's financial reporting.

The assessment is "1 out of 4" and "1 = below minimum requirements - inadequate performance".

Frankly the LibDems do not know what is going on with our finances.

It is a very serious situation. We should not laugh because in the end it is us who will pay.

There should be a more disciplined approach to all expenditure. Stop spending money on consultants' reports, which are not implemented.

Stop wasting resources on endless reorganisation. But give us value for money.

The Audit commission said "Value for money is not well understood". They might have added "Nor are our reserves".

Keith Eden

Friends Walk

Saffron Walden