LOOKING at the faces of councillors who appeared in the Echo over the past few months, it is apparent that the majority of these gentlemen are in their sixties.

Indeed a significant number appear to be in their seventies.

This generation lived through the prosperous years of the sixties, eighties and the best parts of the nineties.

For the most part these are professional people who accrued substantial funds, which enabled them to live in considerable affluence.

It is likely they live in upmarket areas including Canford Cliffs, Talbot Woods and Sandbanks.

Let’s face it, in the sixties you could buy a five bedroom, two bathroom, double garage residence in these areas for under £25,000.

In addition these individuals are largely in receipt of gold-plated pensions from their earlier careers.

Since 2003 they gained membership of the local government pension scheme. Also the state pension can be claimed.

Surely the time has come for the over 60s to agree to carry out their duties for no charge and only the younger councillors to receive the substantial packages on offer.

These packages should cease once they reach their 60th birthday.

By taking these steps they will demonstrate their patriotism and sympathy with those citizens who are suffering cuts in their income and loss of jobs in both the public and private sectors.

NICK DIXON, Earle Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth