Tom Keen, of Tor View Avenue, Newton Abbot, writes:

Judging by his response to criticisms of TDC’s household waste and recycling services, Cllr Douglas Hellier Laing has not fully grasped the way that local democracy is supposed to operate. He quite rudely dismisses any complaint made by Lib Dem councillors, but seems not to understand that they represent their electorate, and are the means by which many residents communicate their concerns to the local authority.

When my councillor raises concerns to the council or officers that I and other voters have made to him, I expect him (and thereby his constituents) to be listened to with respect.

Other issues where I find my councillor has been treated impolitely or condescendingly include street and street-furniture repairs, poor drainage and gulley clearance, and litter clearance. When other councillors or officers treat elected representatives with contempt, they are actually abusing the local people they are all elected or employed to serve.

Perhaps the ruling party need retraining in how British democracy is supposed to function?