Accusations a council worker is forcing an Ascot family out of their home after hurling verbal abuse at them will not be investigated because they are too scared to reveal their identities.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, claim their neighbour’s friend regularly boasted of her position at Bracknell Forest Council after repeatedly insulting them over the properties’ shared fence.
After being confronted about the father of the family, the employee said in a recording sent to the News: “I don’t give a flying ****, I work for the council. Let him make a complaint. Bracknell council.”
The family’s home, where they have lived since 2013, has been on the market after being subject to alleged threats from the council employee since March.
Speaking to the News, the father of the family said: “We have now been forced to sell. There is literally no other option.
“The woman - who regularly visits the property next door - has made several references to her position at Bracknell Forest Council and has used this as a way to cause me unnecessary distress.
“If I make a complaint against her the situation will escalate.
“Because she works for the council we cannot move back to Bracknell, where we had lived for 13 years.”
“It is that fear of the influence they have.”
The family had plastic spikes placed on top of their fence recently in order to prevent a relative of the neighbour climbing over and attacking the father.
In another recording, these deterrents prompted the employee to say: “I’m going to report him because I work for the council.”
The same audio clip later features the employee directing insults at the father, calling him a “freak”, “ugly” and saying “he has a horrible life.”
The family has informed BFC of the situation but did not wish to pursue a complaint after being told their names would have to be made known to the neighbour if BFC were to confront the employee.
Nikki Gibbons, director for organisational development, transformation and HR at BFC, said: "We are aware of a neighbour dispute that allegedly involves a member of Bracknell Forest Council staff.
“We have high standards and do not tolerate staff bringing the council into disrepute; all allegations of this serious nature are thoroughly investigated so appropriate action can be taken where necessary.
“We can confirm that an investigation into this alleged matter was opened and, as part of the process, it was explained to the complainant that in order to investigate fully there was a risk their identity could be compromised.
“The complainant was uncomfortable with this so denied us the opportunity to look into it any further.
“We support the complainant’s right to their privacy but unfortunately this means we cannot progress the complaint.
“We remain committed to investigating the situation fully and taking appropriate action, should the complainant change their mind.”
The father told the News the family would like to move away from the area before following up with the complaint out of fear for repercussions.
He said: “It is hugely trying.
“I’m lucky I’m tenacious as there were dark times.”
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