Frozen millions

SIR, — Maybe I m missing something here but over the last few weeks I had expected someone to comment in your columns on how much Herts County Council had banked — and subsequently lost — in Iceland. Would it not have been better to spend the cash on much

SIR, - Maybe I'm missing something here but over the last few weeks I had expected someone to comment in your columns on how much Herts County Council had banked - and subsequently lost - in Iceland.

Would it not have been better to spend the cash on much-needed road/pavement repairs, improved and new school premises, more hospital facilities and an expanded and more-visible police force etc?

And am I wrong in assuming that the Icelandic banks are not the only depositories for the council taxpayers' contributions?

Surely the role of the county is to maximise the welfare of its citizens rather than stuff the coffers in its own bank accounts. I can appreciate that it may be expeditious, even essential, to hold a reserve of money for unforeseen occurrences - but £17 million, £28 million, whatever? Come on!

DAVID HAMPSON,

The Close, Harpenden.