A HANDFUL of real-life Victor Meldrews are making life impossible for fed-up council staff in the New Forest.

Officers at Totton and Eling Town Council are spending huge amounts of time dealing with irate residents who like to emulate Britain's grumpiest pensioner.

Staff send a long reply to each letter of complaint - and get an even lengthier response.

Now they will be told to ignore any correspondence from regular ranters who continue to moan about decisions that have already been taken.

The problem of people who indulge in constant carping was raised at a meeting of the policy and resources committee.

Town clerk Derek Biggs said: "Several staff are spending 30 per cent of their time dealing with letters from about six members of the public.

"One customer can monopolise a council officer for several hours a week - and we think that's unfair on the other 28,000 people in Totton."

Mr Biggs stressed that the council went out of its way to solve any difficulties experienced by residents.

However, he said it was impossible to resolve some problems because the person making the complaint was never satisfied with the council's response.

"We wish to offer the highest quality service possible, but we can't go on responding to people twice a week on the same subject."

Dave Russell, the council's new vice-chairman, said: "Despairing staff are being plagued by real-life Victor Meldrews - complainants who are never satisfied."

Councillor Russell said the amenities committee had received regular complaints from one particular member of the public.

"There was nothing wrong with what we were doing but it wasn't what the person wanted," he said.

"In the end we decided we would no longer respond to the complainant if they wrote any additional letters on that particular subject."

Now other committees are set to follow suite.

Planning and transport committee chairman George Dart said: "There's a limit to how many times you can write to someone on the same issue."

The Daily Echo asked a group of residents what they thought of the town council and the services it provides.

John Lawrence, 66, retired, of Kingfisher Way, Marchwood, said: "Totton's council-run market is smaller than it used to be and is attracting fewer shoppers as a result."

George Williams, 77, retired of Portal Road, Totton, said: "I don't think the council is doing too badly, but they are not speedy enough. Everything takes too long."

Lachlan McIntyre, 76, retired, of Testwood Lane, Totton, said: "Councillors are trying their best, but they have only got a certain amount of power."

Don Ranger, 75, retired, of Testwood Lane, Totton, said: "I've lived in Totton all my life and can't fault the place. Even the market seems to be improving."

Michael McHugh, 73, retired, of Fieldfare Court, Totton, said: "I've never had cause to complain to the town council, although I think Rumbridge Street needs pulling down and rebuilding."

David Richards, 70, retired, of Ringwood Road, Totton, said: "I don't think the council is doing a bad job. I complained about a flooding problem and action was taken."