Published at 09:10, Monday, 20 August 2012

I WRITE in defence of the far from popular civil enforcement officers now on manoeuvres in Hexham.

Laying down the law: The civil enforcement officers patrolling the streets of Hexham are simply doing their job.

When long-serving traffic warden George Lazonby, with his ‘softly, softly’ approach was made redundant, enforcement on the streets disappeared altogether, apart from reluctant police intervention in the more blatant cases of obstruction.

Until the recent introduction of civil enforcement officers, parking in Hexham had plumbed the depths with the braver motorists taking the proverbial mickey.

The council hierarchy is at fault for allowing such a long interregnum, and its employees are new subjects of criticism for simply doing their job.

The officers must be seen to be fair and must not leave themselves open to accusation of favouritism.

Whilst the cries from distressed traders doubtless have some credence, I would only caution that there are two sides to every story.

Officers supposedly lurking in alleys and shop doorways may be only sheltering from the rain!

ROGER HOWELL,

Hexham

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk