A CERTAIN British council's controlling group allowed a top executive to take early retirement.

I estimated that the then rates of a pair of semis would have to be earmarked to pay the annual costs of the officer's "added years of pension entitlement." In the event, within six weeks' of leaving, the officer found an even better paid job, while we council taxpayers continued to subsidise the person's pension benefits.

Such epithets as the above of course, are not applicable to Worcestershire County Council, in respect of the current management re-organisation.

But to change an "Excellent-Rated" (Audit Commission) winning team, may well be regarded by observers as an act of corporate folly.

Having a well-organised home life, I had the time to spend many hours at County Hall over the past eight years; getting to know the officers currently "under notice" very well indeed.

I can say without hesitation, that none of them should be allowed to leave the service of the Worcestershire taxpayers. We need their experience, knowledge and undoubted abilities.

Within a short period of time, the council's pension fund will require a huge increase of funds from the council taxpayer annually if it is to remain solvent.

Already, many millions of pounds are required from the council taxpayer, to pay for past "early retirement added-years of pension benefits" before a penny is spent on council services. To add to the problems of the Pension Fund would be barmy!

TOM WAREING,

Redditch.