GOOD people of Malvern Hills, did you feel the pain? Well probably not because your wallet has been lightened with cynical skill and dexterity.

By a hoodied mugger? By a knife-wielding thug?

No, neither of these. It was, in fact, the conservative-controlled administration of our district council.

Not content with giving away our proud heritage to Wychavon, they have now given away perhaps a six-figure sum in the form of a totally undeserved pay off to our chief executive.

These people, who laud how careful they are with our council tax, could have paid out the statutory amount of about £13,000.

But no, they chipped in the extra amount from our taxes, out of the goodness of their hearts.

You can hear the laughter all the way as the retiring chief heads off in the sunset.

Aren't you proud of their parsimony?

Francis Whiston

Malvern