LAST week we told you about the county council looking to introduce performance related pay for most middle managers, putting the sweats up more than 600 staff typically earning around £30,000 or more.

But for those workers left deflated about the tactic, it could have been even worse.

The Source has heard whispers that the original set of proposals to cut terms and conditions, outlined just before Christmas in true festive style, were actually much harsher.

Perhaps the prospect of a mass walk-out prompted a re-think within the more remunerable confines of County Hall.

* STILL without cardboard Ed, rumour has it the Labour lot are ready to buy a brand new life-sized cut-out of their hero for the group room.

Given that it's been nicked twice, only a fool would bet against a new one staying in place for long.

But if you fancied taking the risk, Ebay are flogging versions of 'Red Ed' for £33.99 with express delivery chucked in.

What a rip-off.

* WITH the first good idea of 2015, the leadership at Malvern Hills District Council has thrown its weight behind a new in-house YouTube video featuring its politicians telling people how worthwhile being a councillor is.

With its slick production and warming anecdotes, it's so good The Source is almost scrabbling around trying to find an agent to give this lark a whirl come election time.

But it's a wonder the council doesn't go the whole hog and branch out into a greater variety of YouTube flicks, just for you.

How about ‘homes for the future’ by Councillor David Hughes, or ‘the importance of retirement planning’ by the departed Chris Bocock?

Don't chuckle at the back.

* WORCESTER MP Robin Walker certainly enjoyed the TV spotlight last Sunday, when he appeared on the BBC's West Midlands Politics Show.

During a snippet on Coalitions, which mentioned Worcester's seemingly permanent 'hung council' status, he delighted in telling viewers how the Liberal Democrats "reneged on a two-year deal with the Conservatives" in 2013 to "cross the floor" and help Labour take control for a year.

What Councillor Liz Smith, now the city's lone Lib Dem, made of it is anyone's guess.