Dr Richard Rawlins, of Beacon Road, Kingswear, writes:

It should concern us all that there should be a spat between the museum trust chairman and a Dartmouth town councillor.

We need all South Hams residents to work in harmony if the potential of this outstanding area is to be realised.

Of greater concern is that when complaints about conduct were placed before SHC (because the DC has oversight of town councils), these 'were rejected by the legal team without the need for a code of conduct hearing.'

Given your recent article states the councillor has admitted he issued a threat, given DTC's code of conduct is in line with SHC's and given that code expressly requires others to be 'treated with respect' and forbids bullying behaviour, it is hard to see how SHC can determine these complaints without a proper hearing in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.

It is to be hoped SHC councillors will hold its officers to account for their failure to hold a hearing and offer an explanation. If issuing threats is not a breach of the code of conduct, it is hard to know what is. SHC should not abrogate its responsibility.