PAUL FOLCA, of Castle Road, Kingswear, writes:

I was concerned, as was Rosemary Taylor, by the Kingswear petition and letter she referred to in her letter, Chronicle, September 18.

It is clear that a campaign has been attempted against the three councillors, namely Elizabeth Essex, Jan Henshall and Lucy Payne.

Highly significant is the inability of such signatories as have been approached to state evidence of the alleged ‘self-interest’ and failure in objectivity and accountability.

At recent meetings of both the council and the parish, I have been concerned by the appalling standard of behaviour of those on one side of the argument about the matter under discussion – by their indiscipline, ill feeling freely expressed and attempts to shout down any opposition.

In contrast, on the other side was the behaviour of these three councillors, who spoke briefly and calmly, and mainly asked questions, during several of the disorderly and uncontrolled meetings.

There is no evidence or grounds for the allegations made against these councillors. Nor have I heard of any, and I follow parish affairs fairly closely.

Their appointment to the council was fortunate, as these three councillors are of a quality to be welcomed. My perception of them has been that they share a real concern for local affairs in a reasonable, thoughtful and articulate manner.

This attempt by an interest group within the community to remove them from office is shameful, untruthful and clearly personal, and I urge them not to succumb to this scandalous and groundless attack.

I hope others will support them in this in the interests of fairness and justice. I can only think that the hostility ­displayed towards them comes from their having the temerity to disagree. We need councillors of their calibre with a genuine and personal concern for all village matters.