Madam, We are writing to you to express our deep
concern that Ross-on-Wye (courtesy of The Chase Hotel)
was the venue for the members and leadership of the
British National Party.
The British National Party is a racist and fascist
organisation and has no place in either our society, or
indeed our town.
We feel that to have hosted such an event shows
extremely poor judgement on the part of the management
of The Chase and that we, as local people, must question
why they made the decision to take business from such a
repugnant organisation.
We are also concerned at the cost to our town-both
in financial terms and in terms of reputation. We have
been in Ross for five years and as a mixed race couple we
have never experienced anything other than a warm
welcome. We are shocked therefore that the town we view
as home may now be seen as somewhere which welcomed
fascists!
As readers will no doubt be aware there was a very
large police presence at The Chase in order to protect
those attending the event. Aside from the moral question
of why we should protect these people there is the
financial issue to consider. Why, when local people often
raise their concerns about the lack of community police
presence, could over 100 police officers suddenly be
found in order to protect Nick Griffin and his cronies?
And how much did this cost we wonder?
Finally, surely the town council must have been
made aware of this event in advance of it happening and
why was nothing done to discourage or prevent it?
Will the Mayor now reconsider holding his annual
charity hall at The Chase?
Mr and Mrs Punn, Ross
Editor's note: Since writing this letter Mr and Mrs Punn
have contacted the Gazette to say they have spoken to the
Chase management and understand that they had no
choice but to accept the booking.