Incorrect in almost every single detail

For instance, it is pure fantasy to suggest that I "agreed" anything on Mr Reynolds' behalf.

That's just not possible, and, in any case, I wouldn't have presumed.

Similarly, the offer which I had persuaded council officers to put to him, in reference to his non-payment of local taxes and bailiffs' charges arising, was the very reverse of "unconditional" surrender".

I expended many hours' on Mr Reynolds's complaint. As a result, what was offered to him by officers was, by any rational standards, a very good deal for him. However, he was spoiling for a fight, regardless.

But you don't just have to take my word for it. How about someone independent-like, for instance, your own reporter?

Mr Reynolds informed your newspaper of his complaint, and your reporter - he still works for the Evening News - visited me in my home and went through the thick wedge of documents relating to this matter.

He expressed considerable surprise both at the amount of the detailed work involved and at the favourable outcome for Mr Reynolds - had the latter been of a mind to accept.

The lie had clearly been given to the false picture that had been painted and is being resurrected now.

In any event, you did not run the story, because your reporter correctly concluded that there was no story. That remains the position.

COUN DAVID BARLOW,

St Barnabas Ward,

Worcester.