SIR - We would firstly like to congratulate the five Liberal Democrat and Independent Durham County councillors who voted against the recent 'wage' increase.

We would like to ask all councillors how they could justify such an increase when whole communities are being affected by proposed school closures and amalgamations.

Surely this extra money generously donated to themselves could be used to the community's advantage.

J Vaux and S Penney, Sacriston

Taxing question

SIR - In a letter to You Write, Liberal Democrat councillor Carol Woods stated that all Lib-Dem councillors on Durham County Council would be voting against the proposed 13 per cent rises in councillors's allowances.

In last week's paper your front page article reported that only three Lib-Dems voted against the rises. So what about the others?

Also, in a leaflet the Liberal Democrats published during the city council elections they stated they would give every household a £100 refund on their Community Charge. When are we going to get it?

M. Hall, Esh Winning.

Top class

SIR - Browney Primary School is one of the schools named in Durham County Council's consultation document that could possibly be considered for closure during the next 15 years.

I understand the council's reasons for looking at possible closures of schools which are under subscribed, after all it is our money as tax payers that they are charged with spending wisely.

It is difficult to try to make an argument against the council when pupil numbers are such that it is not financially viable to keep schools open.

But Browney Primary is an outstanding facility. County council officials described the school's last Ofsted report as the best they have ever read.

I believe this school is an absolutely wonderful environment for children to receive an education and the staff are a credit to their profession.

If I had a child of primary school age I would not hesitate to seek a place there. Browney School is a shining example to other schools and if parents take the time to visit it or visit its web site, it will soon be over subscribed.

Paul Taylor, Meadowfield, Durham

Boxing clever

SIR - The green box scheme introduced last week in the viaduct area of Durham City has been a huge success. It has provided students with stackable carry boxes to take their possessions home. Unwanted possessions are as usual dumped in the streets and back lanes.

Permanent residents haven't got green boxes because they were provided only to people who were at home in the last week of term.

Mike Costello,

Durham Taxpayers Alliance