Sir -I cannot be the only person who wonders if Mr Yates is the right person for his job. He earns £122.000.00 per year, surely he would have private medical insurance to cover all eventualities.

What was he even thinking of ,to ask us tax payers,( average wage £26,000.00) to contribute to his operation. Is this the culture of council employees?.

As for Councillor Prodger, there must be a question mark over his judgement. He has been in many prominent council positions for a very long time. Is this the only time he has signed off such payments? or is this the first time one has been publicised?

I think I can recall some fiasco over a payment to an employee, who left the fire service and cost the tax payer a great deal of money.

Perhaps there should be an inquiry into the way the HR and wages department are working in the fire authority, because it is their officers who initially advise the Councillors. Mea culpa wont let this one get away, I hope.

Mr.S G Garner

Worcester