I can't believe that a reputable newspaper like yours would print an article (March 19, page 13) which would get the public all wound up. The truth is if you leave at the age of 60

I can't believe that a reputable newspaper like yours would print an article (March 19, page 13) which would get the public all wound up.The truth is if you leave at the age of 60 then you do so at a much reduced pension, or with a full pension if you meet the terms of the 85 year rule - which will be finishing in a few years time - or you retire due to ill health, which has to be sanctioned by the occupational health doctor. The 85 year rule is if your age and the amount of time you had worked full time and in the pension scheme amounts to 85.To leave at 50 with a pension you can possibly do so only if to meet the above criteria and with the permission of the chief executor.The council employs a lot of part-time women and they will never be able to leave with a full pension at 65 or any other age as they were only allowed to join the scheme in 1996 and their pension is on a pro-rata basis. I am due to retire this year at the age of 65 and have worked for the council for 10 years. I have been in the scheme since I started, but I work 22 hours a week so it only equates to just over five years in the scheme. I will get £1,300 a year - £25 a week - I don't call that gold plated.I cannot say the same for the most senior managers and if the councillors get their way and have their allowances increased by between 25 per cent and 54 per cent then they will be eligible for a council pension, not forgetting they are public servants elected by the public not for reward.Jean Long, Moor Lane, Clevedon.