MIXED feelings were expressed by the mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Tom Bush, when he gave his end of term in office report at the annual town meeting. 'My year is almost over and it has been a very enjoyable one, he said. 'My wife, Jacqui, and I have done 100 or so visits to various organisations and events in the town, as well as representing Dawlish outside the area.' Describing his year as being full of 'highs and lows', he said his high points had been attending 'many wonderful events' and praised Dawlish Carnival and the volunteering efforts in the town. 'As of for the lows,' he continued, 'The lows for this year have principally been chairing town council meetings. Not because of the councillors, as one of the joys of this council is that this council works together. 'I am on about what we (councillors) have had to put up with from a vociferous minority who have attended our meetings. 'You will know that we installed CCTV cameras and that was done at the behest of many people within the town. But since last March many members from many meeting have been harassed by a small group of people. 'The council doesn't mind being criticised of the work it does when it's justified, or when there is a purpose, but this was malicious. Staff at the council offices also had great problems. 'It has been the longest and lowest period I think this council has had. And for some councillors it's been very personal. 'That aside, the council has made strides. We will soon have allotments and CCTV cameras installed are paying dividends in helping to solve crimes. 'Another interesting thing is the amount of planning applications we have had to deal with in the past year. They have been greatly increased due to government policy but have still been looked at diligently by this council.' Cllr Bush also spoke of the government devolving more power to local authorities, describing it as a 'good thing'. 'This town is unique,' he concluded. 'This town has a spirit about it which I think is unlike anywhere else. 'It runs on goodwill. It runs on volunteers. It runs on people having a respect and enjoyment for the town. Long may it continue, and I hope the interruption we've had in the past year will find it's comeuppance and we can once again say that Dawlish is a grand place to live in.' He thanked his mayoress, fellow councillors, council staff and the people of Dawlish for their support. The official handing over of the new mayoral role to Cllr Rosalind Prowse is taking place on May 16.
