I AM not often moved to write to the media but, having just watched the TV report on Don Robson’s 84th birthday party in Stanhope, I really could not believe my eyes at the sight of the so-called security guards that were preventing close members of his family, and other well-wishes, entering his care home in order to celebrate with him.

I do hope that the cost of employing these guards is not being met by the council tax payers of County Durham. If it is, it can only be described as yet another example of wasteful and pointless expenditure to the detriment of services to residents.

In this case, a gentleman who served the council for many years in a senior educational role as a headteacher and is now in need of the council’s support.

Serious questions need to be asked of those who appear to waste our money and take large salaries for doing so. Have these people absolutely no personal integrity whatsoever?

I think that the council members and officers involved in this case should be surcharged for any expenditure incurred in respect of the security presence at Newtown House. They are an absolute disgrace.

The council’s behaviour, particularly in this instance, makes me feel disgusted to be associated in any way whatsoever with it, even if only as a council tax payer.

Leslie Clarke, Wearhead.