Close in on coward who writes wrongs.

* ON THE RECEIVING END (right): Former Beechwood Labour councillor Oliver Johnson and Teresa Higgins, who had part of her finger bitten off by a dog as she posted election leaflets during her campaign two years ago, both received nasty anonymous letters Picture by Peter Reimann

YOUR article Pure Poison (News, 05.05.09) was shocking to read. It related how Labour councillors and Labour party members in Beechwood have received extremely nasty poison pen letters from a source as yet unknown.

I can tell you that with each dreadful letter received, the cowardly perpetrator is becoming easier to identify.

It's only a matter of time before the sadist is caught. When that happens we shall insist on the full rigour of the law being applied for what is a serious criminal act.

What possesses a person to hate to the degree that they resort to this foul tactic? We, in Middlesbrough Council's Labour Group, have drawn the conclusion that the person responsible must be mentally disturbed in some way and certainly in need of medical help.

Such cruel actions are not what a normal, well balanced person gets involved in.

I know the people who have received these letters and they are all hard working members of the local and town communities.

One of those viciously attacked was Cllr Barbara Dunne who represents Ayresome ward.

I can tell readers that Barbara is a highly regarded and hard working councillor. She is one of those few campaigners who, by their efforts, have managed to change the law of the land. She deserves our praise and support.

The evil of the coward writing anonymously to her is there for all to see. I hope that Barbara realises just how many people in Middlesbrough are grateful for her efforts and that the streets of Middlesbrough and England are a little safer because of her work.

CLLR JOHN McPARTLAND, Middlesbrough Council Labour Group

CAPTION(S):

A lot of women out there would sort this out in no time. MARGARET HAMPTON, Stockton