THE Editor’s Chair (4th December) hit the nail on the head. We do not need three or four councillors for each ward. One councillor per ward is sufficient. They are paid so-called expenses which, in effect, is a bonus – the same for every councillor. Expenses should only be paid on production of receipts.

I see that the contractors building the market square bus terminus caused problems by unwarranted delays. Why were there no penalty clauses? I feel this council should be prosecuted for destruction of public property - namely the Chartist mural and the clock.

The Welsh Assembly stated a few weeks ago that Newport Council was the worst council Wales and Monmouthshire Council the best. Maggie Thatcher produced legislation that if residents felt their council was unfit for purpose, they could get it abolished.

Brian J J Jelf, Stelvio Park Avenue, Newport