A sincere and profound apology in the wake of a headline in last week's issue.

Firstly I accept the criticism, secondly it was my responsibility, but thirdly I must stress it was not intended to cause any offence.

The issue was in the use of the word handicapped to describe the trainees at Cliffe Castle Nursery.

We have agreements with a number of groups and organisations about the use or non-use of certain words. It's not a case of the PC police becoming involved. It's just that some people find the use of certain words, which even if correct, unhelpful.

As an example I was recently at a training session with a cancer charity and appeals were made to stop using combatative phrases such as 'battling against' and 'fighting for survival'.

That will take more time that simply issuing a 'style-book' amendment to staff.

Some changes are more simple than others - but we do try to help whenever and wherever possible.

Last week's error was purely and simply a mistake and once again I apologise to all concerned.

In the letters column opposite there's another example of the use or misuse of words raised by newly elected Cllr Mallinson. I repeat my comment that he raises a fair and justified point.

I hope this letter makes the point that we do take your comments and complaints seriously. We are only human and do make mistakes.

We do try to put things right in public.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.