I READ with interest the article about a retiring member of Hampshire County Council's staff who had his say via e-mail (Daily Echo, April 19).

I, too, have just taken early retirement from HCC and my decision was partly brought about by the way sections of the staff are being treated.

The library staff and others are expected to take a pay cut. Some of those who are not having a pay cut will have their salaries frozen for, as would have been the case for me, five years. Meanwhile, they will see their living costs, including the council tax, rise.

Some staff may now qualify for state benefits.

I was lucky as I was the right age where I could start to take my council pension and I also have other income on which to live but I am aware of a considerable number of staff who would dearly love to be in the same position as me and get out but are unable to.

It seems as if while saying that the council values its staff the way they are being treated shows that they don't give a damn about them.

It's all about using the salary savings to carry out ego-trip schemes that the people of Hampshire, who foot the bill, do not need or, for that matter, want.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.