I WOULD like to respond to your correspondent regarding having paid councillors in Horwich.

As the Mayor of Horwich, I am honoured to preside over our council of elected volunteers and, no, we are not all retired.

We do not receive payment, but we are all delighted to represent Horwich, our Horwich as we locals call it.

The council members are all local, understand local needs and put Horwich’s interests above party politics.

If we were paid, the effect on the precept would be horrendous and not acceptable to the residents of our wonderful town.

Also, I hesitate to think what the effect would be of having a bunch of mercenaries making decisions affecting our great town. I would also point out that Horwich Council has attained recognition as a quality council.

I am proud to be Mayor of our proud town.

Cllr Ken Thomson Mayor of Horwich