Walsall withdraws ‘insensitive’ diary

Diaries produced by Walsall Council for foster
carers have been recalled following complaints that the cover
depicting high rise buildings and a shooting star was too
reminiscent of the events of 11 September.

The diary had been specially commissioned for
the borough’s 180 foster carers to help them plan the year
ahead.

But Labour leader Harold Withnall claimed the
image was not appropriate following the attack on New York. “It is
insensitive and a better image could have been found at this time
of year.”

Children’s services manager David Bottomley
explained that the diaries had been ordered before 11 September. He
apologised for the design saying that senior managers had not seen
or approved it before they were delivered.

“We are withdrawing them,” he said. “We are
extremely apologetic for any offence caused to the foster carers
and to anyone else.”