It was interesting to read in The Argus that "most ordinary councillors work about 28 hours a week".

How I wish that was a reality for me and, I may say, a number of my colleagues.

Last September, we kept a diary and my weekly average at that time was more than 40 hours and that was without all the extra meetings and an increase in my caseload.

It would be safe to say that I am looking at around 50 hours a week, not forgetting that I regularly work at weekends. No doubt I should add as a newly elected councillor I do not have any added responsibilities.

Being a councillor has changed from when it was "really part time".

My ward has grown due to the change of boundaries.

The number of councillors have decreased from 78 to 54, but more importantly there are many more issues to be resolved and our caseloads have certainly increased.

It would be fair to say, being a councillor is no longer a job but a way of life.

-Councillor Anne Giebeler, Conservative, Goldsmid Ward