SIR - Your headline stating that merger talks were in progress between the two councils is very good news. I realise that there may be staff reductions but if these are handled sensitively they can be dealt with effectively over time and through normal attrition.

I congratulate the two leaders on some lateral thinking about how to reduce costs by sharing expertise and reducing the management structure of both authorities as well as being better placed to deal with an ever reducing subsidy from our Government.

Even if the talks come to nothing it shows that both councils are on the ball and it can be reviewed from time to time. No doubt the Labour group will keep mithering on about weekly bin collections or shouting down the councillors Mike and Margaret Layland.

Peter Burgess, Worcester.