Mr Gapes (Letters, November 25) refers to my letter of November 21, in which I pointed out that Mr Wellstood's complaint that Eastleigh Borough has the highest council tax amongst local authorities was mistaken.
Figures kindly supplied by the head of finance show that, on the contrary, Eastleigh has the second lowest council tax in Hampshire.
Mr Wellstood's accusation was therefore wrong, not because of my personal opinion but as a simple matter of mathematical fact.
Mr Gapes appears to be saying that if I point out that someone has got his facts wrong and prove it, I am guilty of 'pontificating'. No, I'm guilty of sticking to the facts and asking other people to do the same.
That's what I always do. Any opinion I ever express is based on facts and supported by evidence. It's the only way to have a sensible debate.
MARTIN KYRLE, Address supplied.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here