Mrs. N. Jacobs,

Town Clerk

Bourne Town Council

North Street,

Bourne,

Lincs.

PE10 9EA.

Dear Mrs. Jacobs,

Flying of Flags at Bourne Town Hall

In the wake of the recent publicity regarding the inability to fly flags at Bourne Town Hall I would like to place on record our apologies for the consequential and, at times, distressing impact this emotive issue has had on your office and, indeed, the people of Bourne. I would be grateful therefore if you would kindly pass on these sentiments to the Mayor and staff at the Town Hall.

Clearly there are lessons to be learned about how we approached this Health and Safety issue which subsequently led to national coverage and adverse correspondence received by your office. I am very sorry for the impact this must have had upon staff in the Town Council.

Every opportunity to address the issue with the broadcast media was taken last week and statements were issued by Paul Stokes to all the radio and TV media. I do realise that this may be of little consolation to yourselves in the circumstances. Moving forward, I would like to advise you that in addition to the flag which will be raised by the Council's District Chairman, we would be pleased to offer one of these flags for your use and arrange for this to be flown at the appropriate time.

I do hope that future relations between us regarding the maintenance of the flagpole will be harmonious and if you have any further concerns or queries on this matter please do not hesitate to contact Paul Stokes direct on 01476 406410 who, I understand, has written to you separately on this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Beverly Agass

Interim Chief Executive