Andy Hall wrote:

Then you are faced with how much time do you want to spend on
recovering something from them.

Perhaps a call to the local press to see if they are short of a human
vs. big brother story, if it becomes necessary?

Most local authorities have an official complaints proceedure under their
ISO9000 policy - once started has to be completed.

Go for it - they caused the damage - they should put it right.

Dave