FOR the past two weeks I have received many emails from residents around the district who are angry, appalled and upset at the rise in racist incidents in Gloucestershire and the country.

There are a minority of despicable people who regard the Brexit vote as an excuse to bring into the open their nastiness.

Well, let me speak for the overwhelming numbers of decent and humane people in the district.

Racist behaviour and language is never anything but deplorable.

We are all valued, whatever our colour or religion or ethnicity or other affiliations.

I agree with the thoughts of another councillor that he shared with me: “The Stroud district is a vibrant community that has a wonderful attitude towards people from the world and I would like to make a show of how welcoming we are.”

EU visitors and workers here deserve also to know that they are both welcome and appreciated.

Norman Kay

Stroud district councillor

Nailsworth