MADAM, IN reply to the letter from Mr and Mrs Punn in last week's Gazette regarding the BNP event at the Chase Hotel, I can confirm that the Town Council was NOT made aware of the event in advance of it happening. Even if it had been there is nothing the Council could have done. The Council does not have the power to interfere with the activities of individual citizens, businesses, or organisations. Nor, in my view, should it do so.
For that reason l am not even considering moving the Mayor's annual charity ball away from the Chase next March 27th. The booking was made some time ago. The hotel was chosen as the most suitable venue being one of the few places in Ross large enough to house such an important event in good style. I believe that, like me, the owners of the Chase are not supporters of the BNP. Like us, they had to honour a commitment made.
People who disagree with my decision are perfectly entitled to boycott the dinner—l will not send the "thought police" around. However l trust the majority will appreciate that the function is on behalf of an excellent charity—Macmillan Cancer Support—who help all members of society whatever their political views.
Councillor John Edwards, Mayor of Ross-on-Wye.