The story on parishes lumbered with the Euro vote bill (Argus, September 5) conveyed the impression those involved in the nationwide Campaign Alliance for Referendums in Parishes - supported by patriots of all political parties and many other groups - are a handful of selfish people.

It suggested they are forcing Lancing - England's largest parish - and more than 100 others up and down the country to neglect football and recreation grounds due to the £2,500 cost of a referendum asking residents if they wish the pound to continue as our national currency.

I calculate the cost at 14p per voter. If this concerns the people of Lancing they should consider the fact that every minute of every hour of every day the Treasury sends Europe £1,666! If we were not forced to pay almost £1 billion per annum into Europe's dubious coffers the price of a litre of petrol could be reduced to 22p.

I trust the patriotic people of Lancing will give this referendum their wholehearted support, as we need to remind the government over 75 per cent of the UK population does not wish to be forced into a United States of Europe via the back door.

Yet this is exactly what will happen if Prime Minister Blair signs a treaty in Nice next December.

-Denis Edwards, Penstone Park, Lancing