I can't work out the purpose of articles such as the one claiming our Fire and Rescue Service had been slated by the Audit Commission (The Argus, July 28).

For the record, it has not.

In the recent Audit Commission assessment the service scored above average in six categories and average in three. By any mathematical calculation that is an above-average score.

The service also scored top marks for its financial performance.

Recently, it has been awarded Investors in People status for staff development initiatives as well as a Charter Mark from the Government for service excellence.

The public want to know about the quality of their public services and whether they are value for money.

Focusing mainly on the negative gives residents an incomplete picture and demoralises staff.

-Councillor Ted Kemble, vice chairman, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service