I WOULD like to respond to the letter by Terry Green "Is our money spent wisely?"

The highways problems have nothing to do with expenditure on County Hall.

The county council is a four- star authority, and the only one to be awarded top marks for value for money. This comes from the Audit Commission which is an external body.

Investment decisions by the county are made on the basis of a sound business case.

The council looked at the high maintenance costs of its other buildings, and the need for compliance with the Disabled Discrimination Act, and brought all its staff under one roof at County Hall alongside the Wildwood building.

This has created a saving of £100,000 a year, along with the same on maintenance. This is being done over a three-year period and the refurbishment is the last piece in the jigsaw.

Nothing has been spent on County Hall in 30 years. Included in the re-fit is the removal of asbestos, cleaning of the air ducts and many more repairs and replacements.

By making the council chamber more adaptable, a whole range of activities can take place there, not least training and conferences which are currently held in accommodation belonging to other organisations, which costs the county council money to hire.

By holding these events in the council chamber, a saving of £400,000 a year can be made, clawing back that spent on its refurbishment in 18 months.

If that is not good business professionalism, what is?

As regards a single site for the district council, there is a preferred option, and a business case has yet to be released comparing the existing site with Churchfields.

When we eventually know the facts, and we have the opportunity for discussion, then there will be those who will want some "blood letting" to commence.

JOHN HOLDEN

County councillor, Stourport

Endeavour Place, Stourport