After reading the latest self-­promoting sermon from Paul Reach, as former chairman

of the Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre, I feel I have to defend and address his inaccuracies and slurs aimed at the self-funded, not-for-profit TIC and my hard-working, dedicated former colleagues, most of whom are volunteers.

I worked tirelessly for 12 years with these people to secure this vital resource, while many TICs across the country continue to close once their funding is stopped – something Dartmouth never had, except for £3,000 from the town ­council.

The small team has won many nationally recognised awards after being judged

by tourism professionals, including winning best in Devon and second in the whole of the south west, covering seven counties.

The TIC has welcomed ­millions of visitors – and not only to the centre. Its staff can be seen on the quayside at 7am welcoming the cruise ships with the Harbour Authority; on the train platforms welcoming the special steam trains; ­showcasing the town to TV, film and radio companies, many of which chose Dartmouth on the strength of the TIC’s intervention.

We have supported all of the town’s fabulous festivals and sat on many of its committees; we support Dartmouth Green Partnerships and formerly Dartmouth in Bloom; we have supported our town crier ­financially; promoted Thomas Newcomen; formed the Public Transport Group with Cllr Hawkins; sat on parking groups and helped secure the park-and-ride; sat on the Flavel committee; raised funds for the pool… So please do not accuse the TIC of not being for Dartmouth.

As for being bankrupt – again, inaccurate. Our last set of accounts showed a small profit, and with the partnerships we secured with regional professionals at Visit South Devon, the Discover Dartmouth brand and website are secure and have received significant investment from them. A ­percentage of the profits go towards running the centre.

With We Make Magazines likewise. This year it has ­produced two brochures to much acclaim. I wish the new board, which remains auton-omous, every success.

Mr Reach, please stop your cheap attacks on volunteer organisations, the staff of which work tirelessly for the town, and filling the newspapers with negativity and cheap shots, but most importantly inaccuracies.

Angie Cairns-Sharp

Victoria Road

Dartmouth