I WRITE in connection with the recent council blunder in which a computer hiccup held up council tax payments (Bolton Evening News, Saturday, January 10).

The report states that, "This was not the fault of the customers and we have written to them to explain what happened". I beg to differ. Speaking as one of those council tax payers affected by the error, the letter I received contained no such explanation. On the contrary, the letter apportioned blame for non-payment to myself and offered no apology or explanation otherwise! I quote, "Unfortunately due to a technical problem your bank or building society has not paid your council tax instalment for December". Surely, such wording indicates a fault on the part of my building society?

Following a visit to my building society, and numerous telephone discussions later, I find that the council had cancelled the payment and the error was neither due to myself or my building society! Why then am I made to feel that this is my fault? Despite this, I still had to wait in two lengthy queues in the Town Hall in order to make a direct payment.

Everyone makes mistakes at some time or other, but surely the council should admit theirs and at least have the decency to apologise to those tax payers involved? Has it never occurred to the council that setting a good example might encourage others to follow suit?

A disgruntled council tax payer.

(Name and address supplied)