Following revelations MP Charlotte Atkins had spent almost £10,000 of taxpayers monkey on her bathroom, angry letters flooded in calling for her to pay the money back or stand down. Reporter Katie Cooksey went to her first constituency surgery since the figures were published to sample the feeling among voters.

AHEAD of Saturday's surgery Ms Atkins admitted she had received hostile emails. One pensioner who left a furious message on her answerphone received a police visit, so seriously was the threat from an angry constituent taken.

So it was with the expectation of a mob, or at least a few people waving copies of The Sentinel's expenses coverage, that the paper attended Ms Atkins' first public advice surgery since news of the scandal broke.

But on arriving at Biddulph Town Hall for Saturday's session, there were no placards or angry faces in sight, just a handful of constituents popping in for genuine advice on local issues from their Parliamentary representative.

The Sentinel took to the streets to see if people's opinions had really changed since last week's outpouring of anger.

But "disgusted" and "shocked" were still the words people were using to describe their feelings on the expenses issue.

James McLaren, a 30-year-old audio-visual engineer from Biddulph, said: "It's shocking Ms Atkins is involved in all this. I always thought she was a good MP. It does change my opinion of her and it will affect the way I vote."

Lynn Heaps, a 53-year-old warehouse packer from Station Road, Biddulph, went to see Ms Atkins about a traffic issue, but had to leave before her turn.

She said: "Everyone I have spoken to is really annoyed about it. I came to the surgery last month with a problem and still haven't received a reply about it. I was going to ask Ms Atkins about the expenses. I don't think it's fair. I work full-time and struggle, and MPs are spending taxpayers' money on their gardens.

"I think Ms Atkins should know how the public feels."

But with so many expenses scandals uncovered in the national press every day, and stories about moats and duck islands making Ms Atkins' bathroom look quite tame, it seemed some people were taking a more pragmatic outlook.

Stephen Ball is manager of Martin's Newsagents, which is next door to the town hall. He said: "People are angry about the bathroom. They come to buy the paper and complain about it. Ms Atkins has spent our money on her house and it's excessive. But it seems they're all at it and people have become apathetic. She is not one of the worst offenders."

John Woollam, aged 75, of Colwyn Drive, Knypersley, said: "I think Charlotte is a good MP. She works hard.

"I don't think it's ok to spend money on a bathroom, but she's good for the area and I don't think she should go.

"All the MPs have been doing it. The system should change, but individuals who have not completely abused it should not be forced out."

In contrast to the surgery waiting room, directly across the road the Biddulph Conservative and Unionist Club was a hive of activity as volunteers prepared to go canvassing for the county council elections.

Candidate Ian Lawson said: "People are very angry, both Labour and Conservative voters, from what I can gather when out knocking on doors.

"People are annoyed, but they don't think voicing their opinions will make any difference."

But Ms Atkins said she was not surprised at the lack of response to her expenses claims. She said: "It's just been a normal surgery. I'm not surprised. People know I'm a very hard-working MP. They come for my help on a range of issues and I'm happy to take up any problem.

"I have had lots of people offering support, and a few hostile emails mainly from non-constituents. People in Biddulph are very sensible.

"They know I'm one of them. I live in the community, have my office in Biddulph and live in Leek, and I'm good value for money."