The Masai of East Africa are pastoralists who roam the Serengeti tending to the needs of their cattle, on which they are almost wholly dependent for food. They have a Swahili word they use for Europeans, called mazunga . It literally means the people/p

The Masai of East Africa are pastoralists who roam the Serengeti tending to the needs of their cattle, on which they are almost wholly dependent for food.

They have a Swahili word they use for Europeans, called "mazunga". It literally means "the people/person who walk in circles."

Following a warning that there is going to be a budgetary gap of �250,000, last week's announcement by Royston councillors on North Herts District Council that they spent �26,000 on a survey of 117 people, which essentially produced nothing they didn't know already, is astonishing.

The legislation requires that they do consult people, quite rightly, but not to this profligate extent.

The basic conclusion of the survey is questionable, in my opinion, and with such a sample obviously inaccurate (more a pound of salt than a pinch, councillor Beardwell).

During a recession, with people being thrown out of work and those left in work undergoing added pressure, this will not go down well with ordinary Royston residents.

What are councillors Tony Hunter, Liz Beardwell, and the rest of North Herts District Council doing? Are they walking in circles? Ever decreasing circles? Are they "mazungas"

Carlo Zambonini

Gresley Lodge

Royston

Ps. I am yet to hear from Royston district councillors if they are prepared to forgo personal expenses in a recession. The town council leader, Cllr Lynn Berry, has replied and assured me that all town councillors are working on a voluntary basis, and no expenses are claimed at all. Well done!