EARLIER this year Malvern Hills District Council launched an investigation into the way the decision to introduce wheelie bins was managed.

The investigation found that the development of this policy was driven by a small group of officers and councillors to a stage where ratification only was required of full council.

The investigating group concluded that policy development should be more explicit, more inclusive and discussed with all councillors earlier.

Recommendations included ensuring the decision-making process was more open and transparent and making all councillors aware of when significant policy changes are actively under consideration.

Now, despite assurances from council leader David Hughes that these recommendations had been implemented, we learn that the council is "exploring options" with Wychavon for sharing a chief executive before any consideration of such a move has been brought before full council.

Indeed, had one councillor not raised the issued in a question to the leader two weeks ago, it may still not have come to light.

It would appear that Cllr. Hughes' assurances are hollow and that he intends to continue to ride roughshod over democracy.

Caroline Carver

Malvern