THERE'S nothing like a good clash of personalities to get tongues wagging, especially if they are politicians.

Mandelson's public spats with Brown and Prescott have provided journalists with dozens of juicy stories.

But now we have our own clash of the high and mighty in Wycombe.

It involves High Wycombe mayor Nigel Vickery, Wycombe District Council chairman Bill Jennings and the Lacrosse World Cup. As I'm sure you are aware, the prestigious tournament is being played in High Wycombe.

To get things underway a reception for the players was due to be held yesterday with many VIPs from the town invited to attend.

As you might expect our mayor was hoping to wear his chains of office.

But Cllr Vickery was dismayed to be told by the chairman of the council last week that he was not being invited in his capacity as mayor and therefore the chains would not be required.

I hear Cllr Vickery was furious and felt it was a petty act.

The reason for the 'snub' was apparently the Mayor's office had nothing to do with the World Cup.

Like Cllr Vickery, I think it's a bit of an insult to the town if there is no U-turn and the Mayor of High Wycombe is not allowed to represent us properly at one of the most important events to come to the town.

Let's hope this does not set a precedent for the future. It's important for this town that the mayor and the chairman of the council have a good working relationship.

SOCIAL Services in this county is once again facing the real possibility of serious cuts in the future if more money is not pumped into the service.

County council leader David Shakespeare is calling for extra cash from the Government, which would be very welcome. But with the Government setting its priorities elsewhere on other public services such as education there is a big chance that there will be no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. That's why we should be prepared to pay more council tax if the extra funds are not forthcoming. As Pam Crawford, leader of the Lib Dems on the council, says: "The poor and vulnerable should not have to suffer for us to have lower taxes." She is right. The council must get its priorities right and make sure social services is at the top of agenda when it comes to setting its budget. It may be an unpopular decision to raise council taxes but it must be taken if Cllr Shakespeare cannot get any more cash from the Government.