JOE Lockyer stated (Letters, August 15) “If the council does nothing and the debts get bigger, eventually Eric Pickles will step in and impose draconian cuts to our services”.

Flipping heck! Imagine that in Southampton the Secretary of State cutting funding to our services, sacking our council staff and dismantling our local government. It really is not worth contemplating.

But then no need to contemplate Southampton Labour councillors are already cutting funding to our services, sacking our council staff and dismantling our local government Joe, no one has said the council should do nothing, but then who said Labour councillors must collaborate?

Councillors need to stand up and fight for rightful local government funding or stand aside.

DON THOMAS, Southampton City Councillor (Independent).