AS a recently retired senior local government officer with over 40 years experience I view the recent press publicity surrounding the administration at Wychavon with increasing irritation.

The proposition seems to be that Councillor Meikle and his politically elite gang of five cronies should continue to make decisions behind closed doors free from press and public scrutiny. Of course they then pay lip service to democracy by "rubber stamping" these decisions at committee. I suppose this at least is consistent with their idea that public consultation can be successfully achieved by walking down the high street with a clipboard in hand. The government legislation is about creating a climate of openness in municipal decision-making. It requires the council to consult its constituents about three options aimed at achieving that end.

It really is time the Tory administration grew up and got on with it!

Terry Gregson, Cheltenham Road, Evesham