Sir, – The front page (DST, May 8) carried an uplifting story concerning the landlords of the Wombwell Arms, Wass, who have made their premises available as a polling station in the temporary absence of the village hall, and have donated the £120 “rent” to the village hall rebuild fund.

Sadly, this happy tale of altruism, ended with a quotation from the district council’s election manager, who reportedly said “Using a pub to base a polling station in (sic) is not unprecedented.”

Ian and Eunice Walker have endeared themselves to Wass inhabitants with their unstinting efforts on behalf of our small community since their arrival at the pub just a year ago.

They fully deserve their front page publicity and much public approbation for their selflessness.

That their most recent generosity should apparently be less than fully appreciated by an officer of the district council, which itself has grant-aided the rebuild fund, is disappointing and surprising.

Come on, Mr District Election Manager, you are missing the point. How many “alternative polling venues” do you know (in pubs or any other commercial premises), which donate the revenue to community projects?

MIKE MATSON Hambleton Lane, Wass.