Councillors have backed calls to support a campaign to reopen a hospital – but only after an unpleasant exchange.

Dartmouth Town Council has confirmed it will support the campaign for the re-opening of Dartmouth and Kingswear Hospital – despite some conflict with the public.

At Wednesday evening’s full council meeting, there was a clash of personalities between Cllr Gina Coles and members of the public during the time permitted for questions from the public.

When councillors were asked which of them would be attending the public meeting to be held next Monday to discuss the future of healthcare in the town, six councillors indicated they would.

The new mayor, Cllr Rob Lyon, said the former mayor Cllr Richard Cooke had worked very hard with the clinical commissioning group and the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to negotiate the meeting. In addition, Cllr Lyon said the council would “continue” to talk to the trust.

After those councillors who would be attending raised their hands, Cllr Coles turned to the public and said she would not be attending the meeting because she was going to hospital to visit a consultant.

She then added that the question had made “us look ridiculous”, to which various members of the public asked her to not be so “rude” and described her behaviour as “unacceptable”. To which, Cllr Coles replied their behaviour was also.

Further mutterings were exchanged between Cllr Coles and members of the public before Cllr David Gent intervened, saying the exchange was unacceptable and the mayor asked for “decorum” in the council chamber.

Later in the meeting, a letter submitted to the town council the week before from residents, asking for the town council’s support in calling for the reopening of the hospital, was considered.

Cllr Gent explained the origin of the letter. He said it had arisen out of a meeting of people who were concerned and angry about the state of health services in Dartmouth today.

The letter asked for the town council to give support to the campaign to reopen the hospital.

Cllr Gent said: “I think this town council must show its support.” He then suggested the council should write a short letter of confirmation.

Cllr Lyon said he thought it was a good idea and put the proposal to a vote.

Councillors agreed.