PRIVATISATION and capitalism are the essence of greed – opportunists and speculators are probably forming a queue at Southampton City Council leader Royston Smith’s proposal to sell off at giveaway prices our city’s essential services and public recreation assets etc.

I am trying to save £50m, says Royston – having recently squandered almost an identical sum on his Titanic disaster. Rubbish!

Yes, instigating confrontation with the council workers and union would now seem to be a part of the major plan in getting support from people who have been the victims of his irresponsible actions. Obviously our Tory councillors are not up to the task of running our city, by selling off the very tasks which they were voted in to undertake.

A vote of no confidence will surely be on the cards. We cannot give speculators the chance to have access to our pockets in future years, or a licence to print money. Lack of investment and maintenance will surely follow.

I believed Margaret Thatcher is responsible for the thousands of people who now struggle to pay their water, gas and electricity bills. Huge increases and £80m granted to the water authority to replace pipes they say. Not meters? Or a fluoride chemical plant?

Vast profits are ignored by the Government.

I have witnessed a sad decline in our city by public waste of money and opportunities by both the Labour and Tory parties who prioritise their own party policies and selfinterests at our expense.

Royston’s car boot sale must be stopped.

A WILLOTT, Lordswood, Southampton.