I wonder if readers know that at the same time as it is massively increasing council tax, Brighton and Hove City Council has a penny-pinching plan to reduce facilities for elderly and disabled people at the Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre?

For several years, once a month, on a Friday morning, during autumn and winter, anything up to 100 people in their 60s, 70s and 80s (in various stages of decay) assemble there to play short-mat bowls.

So far, these occasions have been run by the council.

Enthusiastic staff have created a much-appreciated opportunity for friendly competition involving players of all abilities.

Now it is proposed that the players themselves take over the organisation.

I am sure we are all flattered by the council's confidence in us and I dare say we and other retired people could competently run the entire city. But why should we?

We did our humble bit in the past and many of us are doing voluntary work even now. However, acting as unpaid local government officers is not on our agenda. Nor should it be.

-M Taylor, Falmer Road, Woodingdean