I have read with great interest comments made by John Nally regarding councillors’ travel expenses.

I have known Mr Nally for many years and have no doubt regarding his sincerity and integrity in his efforts in bringing these questions into the public arena.

As a former Bury councillor during the early 1990s, expenses in general were a pittance compared to the enhancements of today — unless you were the leader, deputy or opposition leaders. and committee chairman.

We are a million miles away from the old system and scrutiny panels were non- existent.

Mr Nally is absolutely spot-on with his comments. It is the tax payers of Bury who are footing the bill and every penny ought to be accounted for.

Councillors who claim out-of -pocket expenses should seriously consider their motives for becoming an elected member.

I stress here that many are genuine in their submissions but I fear that, sadly, others see the job as a gravy train for their own ends.

The knock-on effect from Parliament and the MPs’ expenses scandal is permeating through every council in the country — and rightly so.

I wholeheartedly support any effort by members, and non members alike, in what I can only describe as a clean-up politics campaign.

They are there to represent the needs of their constituents first and foremost — not to be seen as lining their pockets as a God given right.

Val McGrory Grane Road Haslingden