THE letter from Mr Cheal (Advertiser, June 27) highlights the undemocratic manner in which Bromsgrove District Council is now being run while an interim form of "modernisation" is in place.

Unfortunately, the council taxpayers now have the worst of both worlds - the previous accountable committee system has been disbanded and replaced by an Executive Cabinet of just five councillors - and the remaining elected members have been given places on pointless and powerless overview and scrutiny committees just to keep them amused!

The new system has been introduced without any terms of reference, powers and remit of committees, or standing orders by which to operate the trial structure.

The Cabinet members were apparently selected by the controlling group (Conservative) on the basis of their collective experience.

This must refer to experience in arrogance and guile - certainly not ability to run a small local authority as the shambles of the past two years has demonstrated.

It is an affront to the people of Wythall to be told their councillors lack the necessary qualities. One of them served on a well-run, neighbouring council for more than 20 years.

Local electors are currently being consulted about the form of local government they prefer. For "Cabinet" read "cabal!"

Stephen Peters

Independent Conservative Councillor

South Wythall Ward