This is why the Lib Dems continue to spend a small fortune publishing the council newspaper Our Town when most of the information contained in it could be made available on-line or in other local publications at a fraction of the cost.

The council also seems to be squandering council tax payers money on subscribing to organisations like Green Flag Awards which duly rewards council for their donations by handing them an a ward which guarantee councillors can get their pictures in the papers yet again.

Perhaps Paul Holmes should use one of his many cameras to take pictures of all the empty shops and market stalls in Chesterfield to show exactly what the Liberal Democrats have achieved whilst controlling the towns finances.

Crispin Fisher,
206 Hady Lane,
Chesterfield.

SIR — Paul Holmes says he has to 'buy food at commercial prices in London'.

The House of Commons is commonly known to have one of the cheapest eating arrangements in the whole country. And just in case he didn't know, at the last count there were 28 eateries in London that MPs have access to. They have extensive menus and they are all extremely heavily discounted.

For example, soup at 55p; main meals such as Scottish salmon with salad at £2.90; roast breast of Norfolk turkey with stuffing at £3.40 and a vast range of desserts from 60p.

If he's spending £25 a day of our money at these prices he is eating well.

ROY SMITH,
70 Church Street South, Chesterfield.

SIR — I was astounded to note that our MP Paul Holmes has claimed over £1,582.71 in total for permanent flooring on his rented Chesterfield office.

If some of the original floor covering was damaged in the flood of 2005 and needed replacing, surely it should be covered on his, or his landlord's insurance, just as his Lib Dem colleagues instructed those poor householders affected by the floods in 2007. It seems that normal rules don't apply when it's the taxpayer paying the bill.

JAMES GOLDING,
Grasscroft Close,
Chesterfield.

SIR — Am I the only person astonished at MP Natascha Engel's belief that her expenses claims are reasonable and fair as she tries to 'brazen' it out: eg settee £2,000!

How can she claim that this, and other claims, are necessary in 'carrying out her parliamentary duties'?

Start repaying quick Natascha or face the wrath of the public at the next General Election!

CONCERNED
CITIZEN,
Chesterfield.
Name and full address supplied.