I REFER to the articles in your newspaper and the disgraceful episode by a Biffa collection crew during the Act of Remembrance held at the War Memorial in Church Road, Lydney, on November 17, organised by the citizens of Lydney.

I attended the occasion, representing Lydney Royal?British Legion as branch secretary together with Colonel?Dryhurst, branch president, and the chairman Mr M Rudge with the Branch Standard, together with other Legion members.

We, with many others in attendance, were appalled by the total lack of respect of this occasion shown by the collection crew, made even more significant by the fact that this occurred at 11am during the expected two minutes silence as is normally observed throughout this country.

Immediately after the ceremony, I contacted Biffa at their local depot and registered disgust that this should have happened and, soon afterwards, received a visit from a senior official with a verbal and written apology and an assurance that the particular crew had already been disciplined over the matter, with the town mayor, W Osborne, who had also later raised the same issue, being copied.

The outcome of the harmonious meeting, with a reiterated apology, was that an assurance has been given that steps have already been taken to ensure that their employees are informed and reminded of these occasions, and that such a matter cannot happen again, regardless of locations.

As a gesture of goodwill, Biffa has offered a significant sum as a donation to the Lydney Branch Royal?British Legion and the Lydney War Memorial Trust and although this was not sought, was accepted in the manner in which it was offered.

All parties now consider the matter closed, having been brought to a conclusion to the satisfaction of all concerned.

– H J Warren, Royal British Legion, Lydney Branch.