I was both saddened and appalled by the attitude of some Trowbridge town councilllors to not being given a free ticket for their partners at the annual Civic Ball.

It is an event that raises funds for local charities and the £25 a head is what they were expected to pay this year for a partner, they themselves having a free ticket.

For this price they had an evening, including dinner, for two. What if a councillor does not have a partner? Would they be given a free ticket to perhaps bring a friend along who had some input into the town?

It all sounds very archaic and if Trowbridge is to be viewed as a developing and progressive county town, then these smallminded attitudes need to disappear. Apparently new people did attend the Civic Ball, including myself, and it was refreshing to mix with a variety of residents and visitors, many without chains of office or special privilege.

Perhaps next year’s mayor could consider giving some free tickets instead to volunteers who put effort and time into the town and surrounds, and are rarely recognised for what they do.

I hope these councillors and partners who chose to enjoy a meal elsewhere that evening felt their money was well spent, and can now face the community they represent without egg on their faces.

Wendy Brooks, Waldron Square, Trowbridge.