AS my sister was a respected member of a large northern council, I take more than an average interest in local government. During my quite lengthy stay in Wiltshire, I have become increasingly concerned at the arrogant manner in which Wiltshire conducts itself and at the paucity of talent amongst both officers and councillors.

This was exemplified by two items in the Gazette & Herald of September 10. In his letter, Steve Perry underlined the failure of the democratic process and I can confirm that on the two occasions I attended presentations by Wiltshire Council they too were embarrassingly amateurish and that the councillor present appeared completely clueless when questioned on what was supposed to be his specialist subject.

The second item was the report of the removal of the grass cutting contract from Balfour Beatty. As long ago as 2013 this company had begun issuing a series of profit warnings, the reason being that in a desperate attempt to win contracts they had resorted to wafer-thin margins. Any merely competent contract manager would have known that and steered clear of them.

Councillor Philip Whitehead, Cabinet member for highways, stated that: “Balfour Beatty are a big company with an impeccable history.....” What was intended to be a defence of the council, instead reveals Councillor Whitehead’s ignorance. Balfour Beatty’s “impeccable history” includes being fined £7.5 million for its part in the Hatfield rail crash in which four people died.

I was tempted to say that the councillor should get out more. But looking at his expenses claims for 2014-15, I see he has been doing just that. Travel and subsistence amounted to £4,407.85. This is the highest of all 98 councillors including the leader Jane Scott.

I am still finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that the aforementioned Miss Scott, who presided over this shambles, has been awarded with a peerage. I believe that before going into politics Miss Scott lectured on public relations. I can well believe this as her decision to take a hefty pay rise, while others were losing their jobs, followed by her changing her mind, was a textbook case on how not to go about things. Miss Scott said she intends to continue as leader of the council, although the logistics would suggest this might be difficult.

I have a better idea. I have been visiting Wiltshire to spend time with an elderly relative who is not on the internet and has spent hours trying to contact Wiltshire Council by phone. It is usually to no avail as the council is unable to deal with the high level of calls. May I respectfully suggest that if Miss Scott is so keen to serve Wiltshire Council, when not picking up £300 a day for sitting on a leather bench, she helps man the council’s switchboard. It is a vain hope, but perhaps she might even learn something.

CLIVE HORTON

Waldemar Avenue

London