WE AS Bournemouth councillors have just been sent a farewell message from former chief accountant Stephen Parker via his union rep David Higgins.

What a sad day this is for Bournemouth Borough Council.

We have lost a dedicated, efficient and excellent officer who has worked for many years for the people of this town.

He was suspended for “doing his job” by informing members of his concerns about further involvement with Mouchel, the outsourcing company who have now taken over his department and others.

After six months the council realised that they had made a mistake and treated this issue as “whistle-blowing” but at what cost has this been to Stephen Parker and his family?

I wish Stephen well for his future, but this whole affair should never ever have happened.

It was down to members and officers who didn’t want members informed of all the facts.

Stephen was a loyal local government member of staff and truly believed in local government.

We will really miss him and Bournemouth Borough Council has lost one of its most professional officers. It’ll be a poorer place.

CLLR ANNE REY Setley Gardens, Bournemouth