Late yesterday morning, the attention of Valencia Town Hall was drawn to a series of letters that had been sent out to the inhabitants carrying the signature of the Mayoress Rita Barbera in which the reader was informed that "Due to the important sporting events that are due to take place in Valencia, we are now obliged to increase your rates by 15%."

Mrs. Barbera immediately sprang into action, calling an urgent press conference in which she stated that the information contained in the latter "was completely false, and its contents are repugnant and reprehensible."

She added that in all probability those who had created these letters had based their missive on a letter she had written to all Valencians on February 2 this year, explaining how the Town Hall had made certain procedures a lot easier that made life in the City more enjoyable.

She added that the creators of these false letters had even lifted the entire first and last paragraphs complete from that February letter, and that at least five people had already telephoned the Town Hall, and one had actually come to the Rates Department to make an enquiry as a result of receiving the letter, which was dated May 3, the very day that the rate collection period closes in Valencia.

"The creators of the letters had 'falsified my signature, the crest of the Town Hall and the logo of the Americas Cup, all of which were included in their missives", Mrs. Barbera added.

"Accordingly, I have placed the matter before the Prosecutor in order that the proper legal proceedings may be carried out against the person or persons who have created these letters."