Yet again questions have to be asked about the competency of Wiltshire Council. I refer, of course, to the recent admission by Balfour Beatty Living Places that it has lost £1,000,000 in the first three months of its contract with Wiltshire.

While one should not pay too much attention to comments made by Carole Vallelly, common sense indicates that the low bid submitted by Balfour Beatty was not properly analysed, nor is it likely that it made available to Wiltshire Council the information contained in their statement to this newspaper.

Jane Scott has been quick to justify increases in remuneration for senior staff at Wiltshire Council; she might like to reconsider her view and, if any further evidence of incompetence emerges in the council, her own position!

John Evans, East Kennett, Marlborough.