FURTHER to Paul Willey's comments re "Real issues" (Readers' Letters, January 12) he should be aware that it is the responsibility of elected members to monitor and comment on the services provided by respective City of York Council departments, and Coun Fraser's remarks were justified in that it has taken five months to replace the damaged bin.

It is well known that Mr Willey is employed by the same service provider and while his loyalty is admirable, his opinions are without doubt biased.

His remarks in respect of councillors listening to more suitable constituents than the elderly and housewives should be considered as insulting to a large section of the community and treated with the contempt they deserve.

Brenda Wood, Middlecroft Grove, Strensall, York.