THANKS to the Gazette and Herald for exposing such a scandal.

Local authority chief officer salaries are determined by population. How then, can Kennet compare Mr Boden's pay with Basingstoke and Swindon?

Mr Boden would also have received on April 1, 2003 a cost of living rise of at least three per cent.

Therefore, the rise in his salary this year is 18 per cent.

I am amazed that councillors did not know the sums involved before they voted.

Surely one of them would have asked the appropriate questions?

I am not surprised if you look at the age profile of councillors, the majority are in their 70s and I wonder how they can represent the community at that age.

Kennet must move to evening meetings to encourage younger councillors, as our neighbouring authorities have done.

The five senior officers made redundant must be feeling very displeased.

I had numerous dealings with community safety manager Kevin James who I found most helpful and understanding. He was always available and was one of only a few council officers who ever rang back if he was not immediately available.

I think the new council should review Mr Boden's pay and, if thought excessive, reduce it.

They might also look into his and other directors' other jobs. The director of finance works for the Wiltshire Fire Authority and the director of community services is a non-executive of the PCT both paid jobs.

With salaries in excess of £60,000 these officers should devote their whole time to Kennet District Council.

I also challenge the leader, Mr Humphries, to now review the rise in council tax which has gone not on improving services but to pay one officer an exorbitant pay rise.

Next year he should give us back our money by not increasing car parking charges or council tax.

R EVENS

Devizes