LETTERS – Why not use local firms?

My property is alongside a public path.
Recently I had a local tradesman cutting my hedge when another truck pulled up and trimmed the edges of the path – they had come from Mansfield to do the job (two hours’ drive).
I assume they were employed by the council for a lot higher fee than a local firm would have charged.
If council’s are short of cash why not use local firms?

Ms P De La Touche
Farrow Avenue
Holbeach