DO we actually need councillors in a city the size of York? The current fall-out, cover up and transparency by-pass over a £400k payout to the former CEO brings squabbling local party politics into disrepute.

Is it time to re-assess the effectiveness of local government, as most council-led projects end up in dismal failure? Remember the Rowntree Open-Air swimming pool as well as the Edmund Wilson and Barbican baths. Nothing seems to get done. York Central? Say no more.

Are councils deliberately kept short of money by central government? I assume so as council-owned properties like libraries and residential homes always look tired and neglected. They have rotten windows and need a good painting. Our roads and pavements are becoming third world - not helped by 40 skilled council personnel made redundant in a previous round of cuts. Now they’re trying to cut the bin collections down to every month.

The city needs simple astute financial running - not on party lines - for the benefit of us all. Get rid of all councillors and give the officers four year elected contracts to get on with the job - efficiently and responsibly - or face redundancy like everyone else.

Keith Massey,

Bishopthorpe, York