MADAM,

I note that Monmouthshire County Council reportedly say that the only issue re street furniture in Church Street is the ’law for keeping the highway open’. (David Farnsworth, letters, 18th July).

In my recent experience, MCC is very selective when it comes to observing the law. I have complained of excess noise in my library, a contravention of the Public Libraries and Museums Act, 1964. I have explained that this noise aggravates my migraine – a contravention of the Equality Act 2010.

Citing the Freedom of Information Act,  I have asked MCC to explain their behaviour. They have refused to reply. I have asked them for a ’fair and public hearing’ of this dispute, as is my right under the Human Rights Act, article 6. They have again refused. Indeed, the county solicitor, no less, has written to me saying, ’this is not a legal matter’.

Yet, now that it is a matter of increased charges to traders, MCC have suddenly discovered ’respect’ for the law. Very odd, and not at all consistent.

Iain Crawford

(Monmouth)