Anonymous letters

In recent weeks the parish council has received several anonymous letters with regard to the foliage extending beyond a given property’s boundary in the parish.

The landowner is aware of the issue and has organised contractors to clear the foliage week three of this month.

However, the bigger issue – at least as far the council is concerned – is that the letters were sent to me, as the chairman, anonymously.

I am not a fan of anonymous letters or the like unless someone feels personally at risk or threatened; consequently, if someone has a point of view that they wish to air they should make their comment and be identifiable. It’s worth pointing out that letters received will not be made public.

But by definition of being anonymous these letters cannot be responded to.

I need to state that all correspondence must be sent to the clerk as the ‘proper officer’ of the council – her details are on this website via the ‘contact the council’ tab on the home page.

That’s not to say that residents cannot or should not contact individual councillors informally over matters of concern; but correspondence does need to be sent to the clerk.

As the matter is in hand, and the letters are anonymous, the council will not be taking any action.