The Health and Safety Executive is investigating an anonymous letter claiming a Shropshire clerk and a council workman breached safety rules felling a tree.

The letter claims Bridgnorth Town Council clerk Kathy James ordered a workman to fell a tree in the grounds of St Leonard’s Church on July 18 with no safety barrier in place.

It also claims the work was carried out by a workman with no safety wear.

A spokesman from the Health and Safety Executive said today: “The inspector of the HSE is looking into the matter and so we cannot comment further.”

Kathy James said the authority had not received a letter, adding: “We have only received notification from the Shropshire Star.”

The letter claims to be from a St Leonard’s Close resident. It says: “Under the town clerk’s orders the man continued with no regard to safety to use a chainsaw. At this time people were standing close by and children were attending a ceremony in the church.

“We as residents wish to know what disciplinary action you will be taking in regard to such a serious breach. We would like a letter to be sent to all residents to tell us the local community what actions are going to be taken in respect of this disgraceful incident.

“Had there been an accident, it would be us, the local community, who would have to pay for this unthinkable breach of safety.”