IT IS distressing to read heads are to roll at the council, especially when the people named have given outstanding service to the borough (Heads To Roll In Council Revamp, News Shopper, October 1).

It concerns me even more when I am named as the person apparently wielding the axe.

Both the officers mentioned have served the borough well and volunteered to go as part of the reorganisation.

Roger Vandevelde played a key role in managing our recent review of special education provision.

Dave Berry could not have been more helpful to me as the new chief executive and temporarily filled the top job before my arrival.

Although it does not make an eye-catching headline, Dave expressed a wish to retire some time ago.

Agreeing to stay was typical of his loyalty and commitment to Bexley and to public service.

Now I am settled in and, with his help, have developed plans for the future, we both agreed this is the right time for him to retire.

The reorganisation will ensure we place an even stronger emphasis on delivering what our customers, the people of Bexley, want and services can be easily accessed in ways which suit residents’ lives.

A more appropriate headline would have acknowledged this, or recognised the contribution both Dave and Roger have made to the borough and wished them well for the future.

Fortunately, there is time to put this right before they leave.

WILL TUCKLEY

Chief executive

London Borough of Bexley