Hysteria takes too strong a hold

I FEEL compelled to raise again the issue of our Black’s head, due mainly to an article on January 21 in which there was reference to the Green Man anomaly.

My family have been here since 1900. Hopefully I qualify as an Ashburnian: that is not to say my view is any better than a newcomer, far be it. But my views may well reflect a different perspective. This issue is contentious and will need very careful and ‘in depth’ debate.

I have no preconceived notion as to whether the head should remain on the gallows sign or in a glass case, but, the right action to be taken, must transpire. The name of the game is to keep one’s feet on the ground and cover all angles.

To date actions taken, in my view, have been driven by misguided hysteria, from the original removal (though sympathy must be given to that ‘happening’ as serious consequences threatened) to a recent motion passed by DDDC.

This hysteria has come from an explosion of publicity that came from the US when a policeman knelt on an unfortunate individual’s neck – despicable. Sadly the hysteria continues with the passing of a motion by the DDDC (December

14) making it a condition that the head can come back providing it is not returned to the gallows.

What is the point? The whole of the gallows sign is Grade Ii-listed and there exists a procedure to make alterations to it, therefore the head must be regarded as still being mounted there. No council member countered this motion, why?

The rightful duty of the DDDC, having ownership, is to keep it, ensuring its safekeeping until a decision has been made, then, you may debate what to do with it.

Hopefully a serious and in-depth debate can now take place with all proponents taking part – historians, locals, the BAME community, Government and so on.

K Haywood, Winkhill