CONCERNING the 8.2 per cent increase in council tax landed on the bugle call of General McCabe on the premise of saving frontline services.

It sounds stirring but then we read of the alarming use of our crucial reserves in this action by the good offices of Cllr McVey.

Furthermore, no exact detail of which services are being saved nor what cutbacks are proposed but hidden.

Serious rumours still abound of the ongoing future of the Broomberry Drive recycling centre and the vital voluntary sector facing grant cutbacks.

The Telegraph recently reported how the rates decision taken places Inverclyde in open warfare with our nationally-elected government.

Were I to read that our leader and council had widespread support from other councils then let's back them, but seemingly over 20 other authorities have accepted the national policy. So we stand alone?

The need to attract new inward investment and industries must surely be the frontline service which is essential to our very survival as an independent community.

Turning us into the highest increase rated area in Scotland is a no brainer to making potential outside businesses look elsewhere.

Joseph Quigley

Senior past president

Chamber of Commerce