RALPH Perry, like myself, has probably seen documentation that not being town councillors we should not have seen, hence the Review editor's editing.

Yes, there are facts contained within, that Mr Perry, like myself, undoubtedly believes should be in the wider public domain, but I can also understand the Review editor's stance.

However, rest assured Mr Perry, countless people have spoken to me and continue to do so on the subject and are suitably briefed accordingly.

Contacting the Audit Commission way back in January was not done on a whim on my part. Concerns by three people closely connected to Lydney Town Council gave me information that needed to be acted upon, and act I did after taking valuable advice from experienced and eminent people. If I had not have acted, it is extremely doubtful that many would have been the wiser.

Unsurprisingly certain members of Lydney Town Council have appeared to want to "shoot the messenger."

I have spoken recently to Moore Stephens, Chartered Accountancy, Bath, who are acting on behalf of the Audit Commission. As an update, their investigations continue and consideration is being given to issuing a public interest report, which I fundamentally believe is necessary and appropriate.

A report that is currently in the public domain is the Lydney Town Council Financial Governance Document for 2010/11 (the Review has a copy) which in itself makes worrying reading.

Involving the Audit Commission will incur a charge, but should give the Town?Council a starting point in which to rebuilt its reputation.

– Alan Preest, Bream.