After the recent strike by some local government workers, some staff at Adur District Council have been subjected to verbal abuse from members of the public, particularly during the past two weeks.

The nationwide strike was called by the unions, not individual workers. Although most services were maintained, inevitably the refuse collection was hit and, thus, residents, particularly on the beach and another part of the district, have had to wait a further week to get their rubbish collected.

However, I am appalled some residents found it necessary to telephone the council and use abusive and aggressive language to members of staff.

All Adur District's councillors are totally opposed to such behaviour as, indeed, I am sure are councillors everywhere. I suggest, in future, those who want to vent their anger, telephone their councillors. We are in a better position to deal with it.

In any case, abusive language is not the way to behave or get things done.

As one of the councillors for Shoreham Beach, I am ashamed of those of my constituents who chose to cause such grief and stress to hardworking, dedicated young officers who cannot answer back.

-Liza McKinney, chairman, Adur District Council