WE'VE recently had imposed on us three absurd, unwarranted and unqualified alternative patterns of local government administration which have been tried and rejected as inept. Yet the government proceeds regardless.

We were not consulted but we're expected to condone vast amounts of council tax being diverted to pay a full-time mayor, a caucus of full-time acolytes of his choosing, and a cotery of local spin doctors - all to the virtual civic emasculation of most elected representatives.

We're already subject to unfair application of council tax grading in that those who can afford to extend their houses are subsidised by those who can't afford it. Now we're to be faced with the arbitrary abolition of community health councils mainly because they exercise their constitutional right to be independent advocates - often controversial or even adversarial - and don't sit back and accept, without question anything and everything the NHS colossus does.

Aren't councillors supposed to protect our fundamental community rights and privileges, to oppose intrusive measures which reduce entitlements and interests of voters, to indict and reproach any, and every authority which chooses arbitrarily and without adequate consultation - to encroach on hard fought for franchises and facilities?

They appear to be slavish, dumb, genuflecting, disciples of an increasing Soviet-like pattern of administration. Isn't there an active, articulate, committed democrat who will mount a campaign of voter protection against continuous immolation of our society? Or are all banking on getting a well-paid cabinet post in Wycombe District Council?

Bill Purdie

West Street

Marlow

Bucks