I COMMEND and support Jean Gray’s views on “Bitter Pill” (Letters, 16th Jan). Why should Torfaen Council provide smartphones and tablets to their councillors. We already pay them enough in expenses. Indeed, as reported in the Argus, these expenses mount up and in some cases reach four to five figure sums. They can easily afford to buy their own gadgets and toys.

Last Friday I was unfortunate enough to have to travel out of the borough via Cwmbran Drive and Hafodyrynys Road at 6pm. The roads were unlit and lights from oncoming traffic were dazzling. Driving in those conditions posed a danger, particularly in high winds and torrential rain.

A breakdown occurring on these stretches, particularly along Hafodyrynys, would be a frightening and dangerous situation in the dark. It is little wonder that this stretch of unlit road has been subject to more accidents than the stretch maintained by Caerphilly Borough which is fully lit.

It is about time our councillors in Torfaen sat up and took notice of who put them where they are and why they are in office. It is to serve the local community, not for their own gratification and gain. A decision is made and a motion passed. Instead of putting their hands up for new gadgets, why don’t they put their hands up against moves to cut street lighting, care home cuts, leisure and library cuts etc?

If they want i-pads, smartphones and tablets, do what Joe Public does, visit the local library or, better still, buy their own!

Rhiannon Walding, South Rd, Cwmbran