IN THIS column on July 16 2008 I commented on expenses claimed by councillors ahead of the formation of the Cheshire East Authority.

I did not intend to suggest that Cllr Paul Findlow, as Leader of Cheshire County Council, was claiming expenses to which he was not entitled and I wish to withdraw and apologise to him for any suggestion to the contrary.

An appropriate sum has been donated, on Cllr Findlow’s behalf, to the East Cheshire Hospice.