Mr Michael Sylvester – Formal Complaint

Last first as usual:

Dear Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Deputy Leader RMBC,

I am forwarding to you an e-mail complaint which I have just sent to Richard Waller, and which has just been returned back to me unopened via RMBC’s e-mail system.

I do not know whether my e-mail address is blocked by RMBC so I am therefore turning to you in the sincere hope that you can channel my complaint into the appropriate department within RMBC.

Yours Sincerely,
Donald H. Buxton

Dear richard.waller@rotherham.gov.uk

I have obtained your contact details via this RMBC weblink – http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/info/200033/councillors_democracy_and_elections/1104/standards_committee/3
and am attaching for your information an e-mail complaint which I sent on 17 December to the person who I believe is the Clerk to Thrybergh Parish Council.

Since that time I have had neither an acknowledgement, response or detailed reply to my concern and I therefore now wish to raise this matter as a Formal Complaint with Rotherham MBC, who I believe have the responsibility for enforcing standards of behaviour among Parish Councils and Parish Councillors.

I believe that the attached information is sufficient for you to begin the appropriate process but if you do require any further information then please don’t hesitate to contact me by the above e-mail address.

Yours Sincerely,
Donald H. Buxton

Mr Michael Sylvester – Offensive Statements

THRYBERGH PARISH COUNCIL
Mr. P Hindle
Clerk to Thrybergh Parish Council
Meetings: Contact Clerk
Tel: 01709 546805/07833392976
Email: phindle@sky.com

Dear Sir,

I am attaching a document which contains details of a twitter posting – http://twitter.com/Kronos_of_Roth – made by a Mr Michael Sylvester, who claims to be a Thrybergh Parish Councillor, and which contains the following statement which I consider to be offensive: “I do feel sorry for dyslexic kids who at this time of year are waiting in terror for a visit from Satan Claws!”

Maybe, like me, you may find that it is particularly unacceptable for a public servant and a responsible member of a parish council to engage in conduct which may demean or belittle those members of society, particularly our children, who suffer from such a debilitating condition as dyslexia.

I would be interested to know whether you and the Chairman of Thrybergh Parish Council endorse the comments referred to and whether those comments are wholly endorsed by Thrybergh Parish Council, or whether you, the Chairman and Thrybergh Parish Council wish to take this opportunity to advise the twitter account holder to receive equality and diversity training in order that they can more effectively undertake their duties as a Parish Councillor.

I would also like to enquire whether Thrybergh Parish Council is an inclusive organisation and whether it welcomes applicants as parish councillors who may themselves suffer from dyslexia, and whether your organisation is aware of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality and Human Rights Commission – http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/new-equality-act-guidance/protected-characteristics-definitions/

Yours Sincerely,
Donald H. Buxton