I'd like to wish all users of the Worcester News website a very happy New Year.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind some of you about our rules and regulations with regard to comments posted on this site.

I am becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of personal abuse and insulting language in some posts.

If you are in any doubt about what is and is not acceptable please read the terms of use and the other small print included in the comments facility after registration.

Comments are not moderated and we rely on the good sense of our users to ensure the facility remains in place and is not abused.

My message to you is simple - if you want to post abusive messages, if you want to offend people, if you want to insult others, then please go and do it on another website.

Remember this is a website that is used and read by people of all ages, including children.

I have written separately to some of our users about their comments. I will, as a last resort, suspend the registrations of users who are persistent offenders.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kevin Ward, Editor, Worcester News