Alan Spencer, of Priory Gardens, Burnham-on-Sea, writes: I write in reference to the recent letter from Cllr Richard Cooke, deputy mayor of Dartmouth Town Council. Can I be so bold as to question why Cllr Cooke writes to a newspaper seeking to have his correspondence published in the capacity of deputy mayor? Was he instructed to be a spokesman for the town council? Or was he using his position as deputy mayor to voice his own opinion? If it was the latter, I believe that he has breeched protocol and conduct befitting his office. Surely, if the council want to put their argument or their take on a subject in the public domain it should be done through a press release, submitted by the town clerk. If Cllr Cooke wishes to write as an individual, fine. But while he wears the badge of office, he must conduct himself accordingly. The town of Dartmouth simply cannot afford to have councillors going off at the mouth as an when they think fit, it is unhelpful and bad form and makes the town a laughing stock. I ask Cllr Cooke to think about his position and use the correct protocol that is attached to it. The town council has to maintain an element of credibility if the electorate are to take it seriously. Don't be found open to ridicule, there are plenty of other enthusiastic amateurs that will do that for you.