Cllr Colin Parker, district councillor Buckland and Milber, town councillor Milber, chairman Newton Abbot Events Committee, chairman Illuminations Committee and vice chairman Town Centre Partnership Town Team, writes:

I make no apologies for the above listings – I feel this points out that I am heavily involved in the substructure of our town and have a volume of knowledge of what is going on in and around Newton Abbot. I have been driven to this response, as others also may be, due to recent comments in the press.

Let's put it right out there at the outset, Newton Abbot is a great town; it competes with others of the same ilk and in my opinion wins in so many ways.

First I have been heavily involved in the planning, organisation and implementation of the many events throughout the year and with special regard to the outstandingly successful events over the Christmas period; namely Christmas lights switch-on, Victorian evening, lantern parade and the various late night shopping fairs. We have had numerous comments saying how much they have enjoyed these events and I thank those individuals.

The crowds of people who attended are a testament to what the overwhelming opinion of the majority was. These proceedings are organised to give the town a feeling of well-being and enjoyment and I believe we have succeeded in this regard.

In no small part this is with help of our town development manager, Sally Henley, and our events coordinator at this time, Kelly Burridge, who I have worked with very closely and also the small number of other staff and volunteers. Nothing, of course, is perfect and we aim to iron out the wrinkles and improve as far as we can.

As also being closely involved with our town team which attempts to bring together the views and ideas of people from the various business groups within the town I can bear testament that we certainly aim to progress and maintain our town as the vibrant, attractive and destination capital of south Devon. I believe we have and are succeeding in these regards.

The previous and historical make up of our town we are grateful for, and we should have regard to, but in respect of how things were in the past, they cannot be again. They have to be innovative, different and must improve and if we keep looking back to what was we are beaten.

Those who detract from our town perhaps have their own reasons.

Much more could be said but my belief is that our town is growing in many ways and directions and we must grow with it, so here's an appeal to all of you out there. Get involved; support us don't knock us; we want Newton Abbot to continue to prosper and go forward and with other like-minded people we can expand, enjoy and benefit in so many ways. Well done, Newton Abbot.