THE article on the masked ball in Porthleven stated that the organisers have donated money to various community groups within Porthleven and the town council, I think that was a great idea, so that various members of the Porthleven community benefit from the event and not just those who attended the ball itself.

It was additionally stated that the money donated to the town council was to spend as it pleased. I believe it is good that there are no restrictions in the way the money can be spent.

When any money is given for the benefit of a specific town or village, including section 106 money such as that given as part of the planning process with the Helston out of town supermarkets, I believe there should be no restrictions as to what the town council can spend the money on, in Helston, the money was given to be used in ways to offset any possible detrimental effect that the supermarkets may have on the town centre, however, I believe that can be interpreted in different ways at different times, and as such, I do not think applying any hard and fast conditions as to how the money can be spent or indeed the time limit in which the money must be spent is appropriate.

Surely if money is donated to a town, then it should be left to the integrity and common sense of the relevant town council to decide as to the most appropriate way in which to spend the money. I do not believe any money donated for any reason should have any 'strings attached to it'.

Gill Zella Martin (sent by email)