MESSENGER readers have been reacting to the news that the leader of Trafford Council is to receive a £9,000 allowance increase.

Jaston commented on our website: "Outrageous. I do hope they are ousted in the next election."

Oliver13 said: "Council workers haven't had an increase in pay in years now and probably wont for years to come so why should councillors be any different?

"You are a disgrace Sean Anstee and the rest of your cronies, hang your heads in shame."

Regular Messenger online contributor, Mms98, said: " Lets get this right: the council has no money, the a council has not had a council tax rise – where will the £9,385 come from?

"I don't have a problem giving a pay rise , but only if it is across the board and no services or jobs are going to be lost or cut because of it.

"You cannot spend money you don't have, the council keep telling us this so again – where is the £9385 coming from?"

R Wiles, from Sale, emailed in to say he felt the council must have enough money to repair Trafford's roads if it is able to give its leader a £9,385 allowance increase.

""Well Mr Anstee, now that you are a full time employee of the council, can I ask you to put the roads in order as driving/cycling along Manchester/Washway road is like going along a herd of camels?" said R WIles.

But some readers have been more sympathetic.

An anonymous reader wrote to Messenger stating: "It is too easy and simplistic to criticise the current leader, Sean Anstee.

"What everyone has to keep in mind is that this is an elected post, not a job, and come the next round of council elections, Mr Anstee may well find he is not the incumbent and hence not the recipient of that allowance.

"The stark fact is you get what you pay for.

"Being leader of any major council is a full-time job, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

"I don't want an amateur, of any political party, playing at being a leader."

- What do you think? Email your views to sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk.