Ashburton's former mayor has told the Advertiser he quit the council because he felt as if the church was in charge, not him.

Brian Miller unexpectedly stood down as mayor and resigned his seat on the council last month after nearly 20 years' service.

The news only filtered out last week after Cllr Andrew Prince was elected to replace him.

Mr Miller claimed the problem stemmed from his decision not to hold a church service after being elected in May.

Instead he chose to host a civic supper to showcase the recently refurbished town hall and its improved catering facilities.

In a statement to the Advertiser, he said: 'I told the vicar at the first opportunity and thought that was the end of the matter. But it seems he did not agree and came to a meeting and voiced his disappointment, saying I was breaking with tradition, but the services have only been held for the last six years.

'I had a dinner when I was mayor in 1999 so I wanted the same this year.

'I thought it was the mayor's choice what he or she does in their year of office but when the council decided to put it on the agenda for debate I felt the church was running the council and not the chairman.'

A supporter of Mr Miller's, who does not want to be named, claimed town councillors had 'gone behind Brian's back' to make sure the matter

l From page 1

of the service was brought to the chamber.

Town clerk John Germon said: 'You ask what truth there is in any of this and my immediate response is none, as far as I know.

'There is certainly no cover-up. The town council meetings are a matter of public record and we really aren't in the business of briefing against people behind their backs.

'Brian Miller has stated his reasons for resigning in a letter to the town council and this was discussed fully.

'Cllr Andrew Prince was elected unanimously to be town mayor at last Tuesday's full council meeting. As he was sworn in he stated his wish to draw a line under the recent events in order that the council can get on with the business of the town.

'I am sure that I and all councillors would agree. The opinion was also widely expressed that the town council was extremely grateful for Brian Miller's many years of exemplary service and a letter of thanks was sent to him as requested by the town council.'

The Rev Preb Philip Darby, vicar of Ashburton, was unavailable for comment.

* We stated last week that Mr Miller is a part-time employee at the Glendinning quarry, he is in fact full time and we are happy to correct this.