Cllr Jacqui Orme, of Dunning Walk, Teignmouth, writes:

In response to the letter in last week's Post, and just to set the record straight, the councillors who intervened at that particular council meeting did so merely to try to avoid another public altercation and ensuing tabloid-style headline and not, as implied, to prevent the alteration of the minutes.

At risk of dragging the issue out any further, I am fully aware of the correct procedure but some councillors seem to delight in vilifying the clerk, who is just doing his job and has actually saved us thousands of pounds by his astute negotiations.

It is a great shame that the negativity gets the prime coverage when all the positive things that our council achieves are given less priority. We have almost half the precept of that of Dawlish, yet are one of the most economically frugal local councils, something that is attributable directly to the clerk. It goes against the code of conduct to publicly humiliate and berate paid officers in such a way and all criticisms should go through the proper channels.

I felt deeply ashamed on all our behalfs that the Rev Stones, who had led the prayer for his last meeting before retirement, should witness another pointless row. In the light of his referring to us working together for the greater good I felt embarrassed that we were powerless to prevent another argument which would again make the council as a whole a public laughing stock.

If more councillors turned up to support activities and events in the town (not just in the rush prior to an election) and focussed their efforts on positive things for the benefit of the community who voted them in, the town would be an even better place.

Thankfully the meeting this week was a far more jovial affair, with the agenda items being discussed with a spirit of camaraderie – long may it continue.

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