IF ever there was a case of the incredible shrinking man then it must be Councillor Oborski, in his pathetic attempt in the Shuttle letters page to dodge the question on these outrageous pay rises of up to £8,000 for some senior district council officers.

Why does Mr Oborski, he of "open democracy", not appear able to answer the question, posed by Mr Bourne, of how he can possibly defend such massive pay hikes for these people?

Mr Bourne, in his previous letter, was spot on, saying that when changes are made at the top it's always the people at the bottom who get more to do for a lot less.

In my own employment the workforce has been reduced by 10 per cent over the last two years.

We do have new technology to help, but I have much more work to do.

I would like to inform Mr Oborski that during those two years I have not had a single pay rise.

Who will ever believe this council again when it whinges on about having no money to spend?

KEVIN P WILEY

Malham Road

Stourport