Sometimes we have to fight for justice - all of us. Many of you will have read about the pensioner who was fined by Sandwell Council for dropping cigarette ash in the street. If you're not a smoker you perhaps don't have any sympathy, but I would ask you to consider the consequences of this behaviour from a council. What if you pulled your mobile out of your pocket and a receipt or a tissue happened to come with it without your knowledge. If you live in Sandwell, or one of these council areas which has these 'litter enforcement' officers.
Such a pity they're not around in my town on a Friday and Saturday night when the streets are litter with take-away cartons,chip wrappers and other rubbish, but it would appear that they're like traffic wardens and only work a 35 hour week.
The whole story is here and Ms Raccoon is asking for help from those qualified in English law. If you agree with the principle of her post then do give your support. For those who think Anna Raccoon is supporting 'one of her own' then you're wrong. She's a non-smoker but a woman who firmly believes in justice.
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12 comments:
Re- blogged and linked to Anna earlier Rosie Have you seen my post about coming your way this week?
I agree with an anti littering policy - but surely it has to be applied with a modicum of common sense?
I see Old Nick has put the Chief Exec of the Council on his burn list. I have to say I totally agree with him and all the other bloggers' comments on this issue. Disgraceful.
Once again, the power of the Internet & concerned Bloggers will cause those Jobsworths just a little bother!
Well done to Anna and the many others publicising this story.
Has petty bureaucracy sunk so low that it is now blinded by a total lack of common sense or basic humanity.
How, by any measurement of what now passes for justice, does Sandwell Council see any public approbation in the action it is currently taking against such an elderly lady.
God save us all from such faceless, arrogant, blinkered and mindless bureaucrats.
What about that bloke who was fined £50 for dropping a £10 note ?
He accidentally dropped the tenner while trying to stuff it into his back pocket..
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/06/11/exclusive-cops-hit-man-with-50-fine-for-dropping-10-note-in-the-street-86908-21431627/
No Indyan, but I'll see it shortly. Do you need help translating or something?
We've no common sense Dioclese and this council is making a mockery of the people they're supposed to serve.
Aye Joe, she's good at things like this is Anna. All credit to her.
Unfortunately I think these types are here to stay John, but they wouldn't get much of a welcome in this neck of the woods.
Jings RM I'd forgotten about that chap. So they're at it here too. Oh dear.
Counter claim for intimidation and harassment. Naming the CEO of the council, the head of the department and the jobsworths who actually issued the fine as respondents.
While they may not worry over the costs - these will be met from public funds - they will not want their arrant idiocy exposed in a public trial.
Anna will read your comment RA. It's legal costs which can mount up in these cases but the lawyers already involved have offered their services for free I believe.
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