TIME TO ACT: I applaud the general thrust of Martin Tideswell's feature in

The Sentinel, October 20 but when he wrote that one of the two scandals around Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Chris Harman debacle "is the staggering ineptitude of both senior officers and leading councillors, who once again seem unable to champion the taxpayers they are supposed to serve." He ignored the outrage among councillors.

Admittedly, I was the only councillor to state categorically in full council that Mr Harman had an obligation to continue his duties, however upset he may be at not having been appointed.

I emphasised that he was after all the acting chief executive.

If Chris Harman does not wish to continue as acting chief executive then he should resign and not, as is reportedly the case, go on sick leave.

We have a right to expect from people who have been elected to public office the very highest standards of behaviour and performance.

It is quite unacceptable that councillors and the public have no idea what is precisely the current situation.

The council leader, Councillor Ross Irving, is unwilling to discuss the issue because it is 'delicate'. What should be happening is that the Human Resources Committee should be meeting with Chris Harman and sort out the situation.

The reality is, of course, Harman has refused to act since the appointments committee passed him over for the permanent top job on September 30.

Yet scandalously he continues to be paid just over £4,000 per week for doing nothing.

I spoke to the chair of the Human Resources Committee, Councillor Paul Shotton. He is part of the negotiations with Harman. He refuses to disclose what possible basis there is for Harman being awarded a pay-off. Technically, it will be his committee that makes the decision.

But we all know, it will be the leader's hand on the tiller.

If Cllr Irving wishes to avoid the real threat of a motion of no confidence he should call a meeting of all political groups immediately. He ignores the justifiable outrage and condemnation expressed by residents across the city not only at his own peril but at the serious risk of further undermining the credibility of the city council.

CLLR PETER KENT-BAGULEY

Potteries Alliance leader