THE death of decency, honour and standards in public office was witnessed last month.

Where did this take place? None other than at the Council House, Bromsgrove.

What brought about this demise? A report from the Standards Board relating to property adjoining the Victoria Ground, the activities of the council leader, and a resolution from opposition councillors.

At this particular council meeting, quite a few councillors declared that because the Standards Board had taken no further action against Councillor Dennis Norton, neither should they. This, after Cllr Norton's assertion to the Press that he had been "completely exonerated".

It further emerged that he even refused to say "sorry" for his actions, to a fellow councillor. This speaks volumes to me and, in my opinion, reflects badly on councillors of his own party and other factions who choose to support him in what amounts to a vote of confidence.

Is it any wonder that the vast majority of voters in Bromsgrove hold this administration is such low esteem.

There was a time when honour would dictate the "decent thing to do". This seems to have gone by the board these days. "Stay on" "Tough it out" appear to be the order of the day, right or wrong!

Do I write out of spite towards these people? No. I am a lifelong Conservative voter. I am simply disgusted by the contemptuous and arrogant manner in which this administration operates.

I, for one, would welcome a return to "old-fashioned values" particularly from those people who choose to enter public life.

Donald I Ross

Victoria Road

Bromsgrove