AN exchange of letters with Mrs Lesley Clarke, leader of Wycombe District Council, on the subject of the extraordinary and secret leaving present awarded to the chief executive, Mr Cummins, raises many important questions of great public interest which have yet to be answered.

Mrs Clarke states that "a compensation package is being offered to WDC officers taking early retirement. However, Mr Cummins' job is not being changed, and he is not being asked to leave. He is resigning and a replacement must be found. Consequently he is not entitled to a redundancy payment or any other form of retirement package."

I think councillors do not have the authority to make any award.

Thus, this award, which is understood to be very substantial, should not be protected by a "confidentiality clause" and the councillors involved should be required to reveal the details. If, as I believe, this award is not justified the councillors should recover or repay the sums involved.

This very questionable action by WDC is likely to be used as a precedent by other WDC officers who are leaving.

It is, therefore, important to apply as much pressure as possible to stop councillors making secret deals with their council staff friends which involves the unwarranted use of council tax funds.

Arnie Parr ,High Wycombe