A COUNCILLOR has been slapped on the wrist and warned to be careful with his language for his use of the word ‘bonkers’.

Slough Borough councillor Wayne Strutton, for Haymill and Lynch Hill, has described Slough Borough Council’s plan to close Station Road, in Burnham, to traffic at the end of September as ‘bonkers’.

He has since received a letter from Cllr Sabia Hussain, the council’s commissioner for health and wellbeing, warning him of the sensitivity around language associated with mental health.

The letter read: “It is widely known that people with such conditions are amongst some of the most discriminated in our society and often feel they cannot speak out and seek help.

“The language you have used will not make this any easier for these people.

“I would urge to reconsider your use of this word, and remind you that as an elected councillor you hold a responsibility to all members of our community and to our own code of conduct.

“I urge you to please consider the effect this use of language has of people with mental health conditions who may be reading your public postings.”

Cllr Strutton has defended his use of the term in the context of describing an idea rather than a person.

He said: “I am happy to stand by my use of this word and feel there are greater concerns around all health and wellbeing of many residents by this closure.”