Residents Association councillors slammed for going out leafleting during lockdown.
Hornchurch Residents Association councillors have been slammed for posting leaflets through people’s door during lockdown.
Anna from Hornchurch contacted the Havering Daily after receiving flyers from the Residents Association through her door.
“The Government has placed the country in lockdown for a reason, why are these councillors going out and not doing what they have been advised? Isn’t the stopping of this awful virus the most important thing right now and helping to support our NHS staff, yet they feel the need to still go to people’s houses and put their leaflets through our doors. They are putting themselves and us at risk. I thought councillors were supposed to be role models in our community?
“I am really annoyed about this, I don’t think they are doing the right thing and setting a good example to others. It is a difficult time for our community, it’s been hard for many people, councillors should be leading by example.”
Havering’s Director of Public Health has written to all councillors now following the complaint.
In his email, Dr Mark Ansell states: “As a result of a complaint from a member of the public, it has come to my attention that elected Members are out on the streets delivering leaflets/magazines which is in direct conflict with Government guidance that people should only go out for very limited reasons. Clearly delivering non-essential material does not fall in that category and puts lives at risk and encourages others not to abide with the advice of Public Health England.
“As your Director of Public Health I am very concerned and somewhat disappointed that Members of this council are either acting directly by being out and about on the streets or encouraging others to do so. I ask that this practice immediately desists.”
Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Ray Morgon told the Havering Daily: “Postmen are still working and we are doing the same thing. It is our one form of exercise a day.
“Many residents might not have internet facilities to see what is going on, so our leaflets are there to help them.“
Is the Havering Daily subscribing to the Sun News Paper school of headlines?
Placing facts for the public
Conservative Propaganda machine. Thanks Fransesca! you’re the best
So just ONE person complains to the Havering Daily and Havering’s Director of Public Health has to write to all RA councillors following the complaint. What a great shame the Havering Daily didn’t make a bigger issue when 12,000 people signed a petition asking the Conservative Council to restore 30 minute free parking. I’m not really a conspiracy theorist, but all the daily news seems to be a ‘little’ bit Conservative biased. Get a grip at your end, or I’ll complain about all the Council Workers not maintaining adequate distance from people when cleaning our streets. How many letters will that generate from Havering’s Director of Public Health? About as many Conservative Councillors prepared to vote against their Leader.
Just who doe’s this jumped up Havering Director of Health think he is?. Most people who deliver the Hornchurch Residents Association magazine Focus are not Councillors. He should keep his views to himself and actually find out what Government regulations are. The Royal Mail and all newspapers and magazines are exempt from the regulations. Before you spout off again have a look at my signature and ask your lawyers what it means. The normal monthly delivery of Focus and a leaflet for non members (because we thought it was only right our non member local residents should be kept informed) will go ahead whatever uninformed people and council officers say. If our deliverers want to include delivery of the MAGAZINE Focus as part of their health regime, that is up to them not obtuse people, who complain about everything. Feedback has also been received thanking the HXRA for its actions. In the many years I delivered Focus I do not think I ever ended up speaking to the householder after the magazine went through the door. Before delivery,steps are taken to ensure that there is no chance of Covid-19 being on the items handled. How dare this person complain,when they have no idea what the regulations allow. When Royal Mail and the newspapers are banned from being distributed,then Focus will also be banned. Until that time, I say to the Director of Health and his kind to ‘Suck it Up’ ~ Councillors may not answer in my tone but officers of Havering council should understand they do not give orders to elected representatives, its the other way round – stupid.
Terence F Matthews LL.B(Hons)
There are many people doing all they can to cope.
Is this all he can complain about?
Beatrice Who are you commenting about, you have not made that clear? The Director of Public Health should be dealing with matters that the Government has decreed needs to be carried out, not things that are still legal to do. How about finding out why Girpins Lane site has been closed thus causing health problems and the risk of Fly-tipping which will cost us, the taxpayer a lot.
I wonder why I seem to attract the comments of women and rarely a mans. Maybe certain women just find something to moan about.
I forgot to say – The Editor is showing poor judgement by taking a stance on this matter. Obviously he/she should take legal advice before allowing such drivel from a non elected council officer and a resident obviously with a political agenda to be shown on this site.