I see from your paper that Councillor Alambritis has slashed his shirt in protest at Tory attempts to balance Merton's budget.

The councillor was and remains, a leading light in the former Labour administration, which lasted some 16 years and from whom the Tories have inherited this mess.

I would be delighted to offer the councillor, who spends his day as a lobbyist for Britain's small businesses and needs to look his best, a replacement.

It will be made of hair and should be worn at all council meetings to remind him that 80 per cent of all local government spending is dictated by Labour's national policies.

I hope it will scratch more than his conscience when the Labour Government tries to double our council taxes, while cutting our rubbish collection, if it survives the next general election.

CHRIS McLAUGHLIN Former Trinity Ward Councillor Via email