Dear Editor, Hundreds of essential voluntary organisations are to have their grants slashed, elderly day centres and youth facilities closed and Birmingham’s front line police are to be compulsorily retired – so what do I read this morning?

That Birmingham City Council is to spend £292,000 on public relations for its new library. Not only that, but the contract has been awarded to a London based agency.

The West Midlands is full of the most talented creative agencies in the country, who I am sure would not have charged £292,000. It is a disgrace and the director and councillors responsible should be fired.

Ray Woods

Erdington