i couldnt resist. i do love a good letter hahaha...
To whom it may concern,
I wish to raise a formal complaint regarding two Greenwich Council Employees with whom I had the utter displeasure of crossing paths last week.
On the 19th of February 2013 at around 2:45pm, myself and a colleague were walking on the pedestrian footpath along Powis Street, when out of nowhere my left shoulder was grabbed and wrenched backwards very nearly forcing me off my feet. Upon re-establishing my footing, I turned around expecting to be faced with a drunken lout or maybe even a would be mugger. I was completely shocked to in fact be faced with a Greenwich Council Uniform, a Greenwich Council Identification badge and an incredibly angry and quite intimidating face.
This man's name is XXXXXX and he was shortly followed by his colleague XXXXXX.
Mr. XXXX did not identify himself, nor did he apologise for his aggressive attack. he simply declared i had been stopped for littering.
I feel Mr. XXX's handling of the situation was incredibly un-professional and somewhat intimidating. would he have acted in the same fashion with an 80 year old pensioner? or a child perhaps?
I'd like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention that Mr. XXXX actions at this point had already constituted criminal assault.
Although a little frightened and very bemused, I remained calm, did not attempt to run and only acted in a civil manner. I realised that Mr. XXX must have been referring to a cigarette butt that I had in fact dropped a few moments earlier, so I offered to go back, pick it up and dispose of it correctly.
Mr. XXXX ignored my offer and demanded to see my Identification, which i produced and handed to him. I was quite worried as i have never been in this kind of predicament before so I then asked if i was to receive a warning.
Mr. XXX told me that he was under no obligation to NOT issue me a fine as i had admitted fault and given him my personal details. his language was somewhat more colourful than i have described, and his attitude very terse and smug. My ears immediately rang with 'entrapment'.
I found Mr. XXX's attitude and lack of manners quite disgusting. His actions were not those of a man trying to enforce the law and make the borough of Greenwich a cleaner and safer place. I conclude that he is nothing more than a small minded, cowardly bully.
Does Greenwich council encourage this sort of behaviour and form of law enforcement?
The incident occurred on the 19th February, the letter and fine produced on the 21st February, but not received until the 25th. this leaves me four days before i have to pay the higher rate fine and therefore not much time to action a dispute. This to me seems like an underhand tactic to force me into paying.
why isn't the fine issued on the spot? perhaps a method in which your wardens can avoid being identified?
Had the situation been dealt with in a professional and courteous manner, i would pay the fine immediately and think nothing more of it. As i was treated so poorly, i think i deserve exemption in this case; a reduction of the fine and a written apology from Mr.XXX at the very least.
In summary, i am very unhappy with Greenwich council. Mr XXX is a civil servant, and in his respective role acts as an agent for the council. I demand this situation be investigated and i expect a speedy response. Should i feel your response is inadequate i may well consider contacting the police with respect to my rights regarding physical assault.
Regards
Mr XXXXX XXXXX
