RE: The latest disaster hitting the Dolphin Centre, in Bromsgrove.

None of us wants this type of potential human disaster to occur. But I am not surprised. I asked for an independent investigation by another authority following the escape of deadly chlorine gas and I was told by Cllr Terri Matthews at a full council meeting that such action was not needed.

These are the symptoms of an on-going attitude by the Conservatives, that 'effective management control' is in hand.

Let me remind the public that:

* The personnel department in the years 1991-95 would not introduce such basic requirements as a job description.

* More recently, a very senior person at an appeals committee was given a promotion of two further grades, when this should have been addressed by her senior officers at least 18 months previously;

* As we arrive near the time when a ten-year contract is going to be awarded for refuse collection and other council responsibilities, the workforce concerned is supposed to be having senior management guidance to prepare for this competition, according to the chief executive. Well, the workforce would really appreciate knowing when this is going to start.

No wonder staff morale is low and the turnover so high.

The Conservatives are supposed to be the business party. Well, if Cllr Nick Psirides and Cllr Terri Matthews were in business then on the basis of performance, they would be fired.

Cllr Dave McGrath,

Bromsgrove District Council.