FORMER councillor Adrian Shurmer has become the scapegoat for the soaring cost of the Hyndburn investigation being conducted by auditors by Robson Rhodes, now expected to reach £70,000.
The key criticism to be investigated was the conduct of the 1999 council elections.
To serve the public interest, therefore, Robson Rhodes had an obvious duty to present their report in time for the May, 2000, elections. In December, 1999, they told us that their report would be out in early 2000, in time to be fully digested and known by the May 2000, elections.
As Adrian Shurmer pointed out in his letter of resignation, because the public interest was not served in time for 2000 election, the report is worthless.
Our open, accountable and transparent council's response to criticism from him and other taxpayers regarding the alleged loss of £millions is to remain silent and add another £70,000 to the waste. With 500 soon to be made redundant in our borough, we need every penny.
PHILIP CONGDON, Hindle Fold Lane, Great Harwood.
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