Regarding the elephant statue, it seems to me what Colchester Council is attempting is to bring a little quirkiness and cheer to Colchester, something that might even become associated with the town along the lines of the Angel of the North but clearly on a smaller scale.

However, it is a justifiable concern the money could be used for more worthy things.

But £147,000 would not even paper over the cracks of the damage that has been caused by the cuts of millions of pounds to council budgets that have occurred since 2010.

So, when I read that Tory councillors are aghast at the proposed expense of the elephant statue, they need to be reminded it is the Conservative Party's joyless austerity measures that have impoverished councils to the point where a little attempt to improve the look of the town cannot be contemplated without politically motivated opprobrium being heaped on the council's head.

Ronnie Hannan

Baden Powell Drive, Colchester