THE ARTICLE about the mountain rescue services September 7) was very informative, especially concerning their finances. I note that in common with their colleagues manning the lifeboats, they are continually asking for public donations in order to keep going. However, there is another money source: what’s wrong with giving some of the rescued a bill for services rendered?

Before anyone shouts austerity and economic hardship, I would point out that those people plucked from a pothole, mountain-side or ocean-going yacht are seldom on Jobseekers Allowance. Many countries, particularly at ski resorts, insist on some sort of insurance to cover possible accident and recovery.

Our rescue services do a wonderful job, but relying on charity and taxpayers to cover costs and risks caused by holiday-makers with more money than sense is an unfair burden on this country’s resources.

Mr A Greenhalgh Ross Street Newport