PLEASE keep your letters to 250 words maximum giving your name, address and daytime telephone number - even on emails. Email: letters@swindonadvertiser.co.uk. Write: Swindon Advertiser, Unit 1 and 2 Richmond House, Edison Park, Swindon, SN3 3RB. Phone: 01793 501806.

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Apology wanted for electoral register ‘threatening letter’

As a recipient of an abrupt and somewhat threatening letter - sent in error, but signed and presumably approved by Susie Kemp, (Electoral Registration Officer) - I am concerned as to what she thought she was doing, composing it in the first place.

It begins, “I am of the opinion that you are not entitled to remain registered at this property”.

Who, exactly, was she hoping to target, if not me? Is she entitled to such an opinion?

Whoever it may have been, they are given 14 days to show themselves to be “entitled”. “If you wish to appeal....then you must do so, giving the reason why you should not be removed”.

There is no mention as to what that reason might have been.

My research suggests that the reason for removal is often due to a death or a change of residency.

The former would demonstrate considerable insensitivity toward the letter’s potential recipient.

It did occur to me, following further research, that it could have something to do with the rights of EU citizens to choose to vote in the UK.

Had we left the Union in October, they would not be allowed that straightforward choice?

Is the Electoral Registration Officer making her own laws, I wonder?

It is odd that such a letter is on the rounds (albeit in error) just a few weeks before a General Election.

I’d welcome some clarification, along with the apology I am due to receive.

Name supplied, By email

Make a difference with a letter from Santa

As Christmas draws ever nearer, why not get the little ones excited for the big day with a Letter from Santa?

It’s a great way to bring joy to your own family, whilst knowing you’re making a positive difference to the lives of children who may need it most this Christmas.

The letters can be tailored to your child with name, age, hobbies and a personal message to get Christmas in your household off to a magical start.

There are eight new designs to choose from including Reindeer Flying Practice’, ‘Christmas Disco’ and ‘Elves are Ready to Go!’.

We know that on average at least two children in every primary school classroom has suffered some form of abuse.

You can help us be there for them and provide the necessary support at Christmas and all year round.

For every Letter from Santa, we suggest a donation of £5, which goes a long way to helping children.

With £8 we can cover the cost for our volunteer counsellors to answer two calls to the NSPCC’s Childline service.

On average, a child contacts Childline every 25 seconds.

It provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help.

They can get in contact 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

A £10 donation could help us answer two calls to the free NSPCC Helpline from adults worried about a child.

It is open every day of the year for any adult worried about a child on 0808 800 5000 or nspcc.org.uk.

Our practitioners provide advice and support, listen to concerns about a child, and offer general information about child protection.

To get creating your family’s personalised Letter from Santa, and start spreading the festive cheer.

Visit the NSPCC website for information.

Caroline Morgan, Community Fundraising, NSPCC