Jonathan Dimbleby, of Dartmouth, writes:

On Monday, February 10, I chaired an 'any questions' event at the Flavel.

The audience packed in and the Dartmouth panel was impressive.

We discussed important local issues such as: should Dartmouth become 'Royal?', affordable housing, the future of the Guildhall, business rates and how to engage the young in public life.

Much to the frustration of everyone there – all of whom are part of the local electorate – no member of the town council made it their business to attend.

What message, I wonder, does that send?