REGARDING John Blunt's comments (LET, July 5) and those of Miss C Atherton (Letters, July 11) on the issue of the licence for Mrs Mary Stanton to continue to house her capuchin monkey in her home. As this is the subject of an appeal, it is not appropriate to enter into a public debate at this time.
I will supply a full response once the matter is settled and hope that you will co-operate by bringing the information to the attention of your readers.
In the meantime, I feel it is important to say that the officer concerned is a very experienced environmental health officer and, like the majority of people who work for local councils, he is committed to acting in the best interests of the local community.
In doing so, he does exercise care and compassion, but, at times, has to be prepared to make difficult decisions in the public interest. He should be supported in this, not subject to misinformed criticism.
GWYNETH SARKER, head of housing and neighbourhood services, Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article