It was with some sadness and a good deal of anger I read your report and Cllr Gina Coles’ comments in last week’s Chronicle with reference to the preceeding weekend’s Woof­stock UK event on Coronation Park.

What I saw was a well organised event, attended by local people and visitors – all presumably spending money in support of our local traders.

Indeed, this was reflected in your commentary on pages 16 and 17 and the numerous locals who I heard saying how nice it was to see our community space being used to the benefit our town.

In recent years, the town has lost several similar events, such as the Carnival, Town Week and Monkey Town Regatta.

While we still have the music and food festivals and the Royal Regatta with all its Asian food stalls and ice cream sellers in Roylal Avenue Gardens, surely as an elected councillor and director of the visitor centre , Cllr Coles should support such new events if our town is to thrive and attract visitors to provide employment and opportunities for the indigenous population.

Cllr Coles’ comments appear to be driven by a personal dislike of Woofstock UK organiser Heather Nesbitt. Using her elected position to scupper this event; and as a vehicle to grind her personal axe, is at least ill- judged, if not worthy of investigation by the Local Govern­ment Ombudsman.

As for the allocation of charity monies, charity is charity. We should applaud anyone who puts their head above the parapet to raise funds for their given cause.

It’s our choice whether we individually decide whether to support it. It is certainly not the prerogative of our elected leaders to suggest whether one charity is more worthy than another.

Being so out of touch with the needs of the town and its people, perhaps Cllr Coles should consider her position.

Mark Rendle

Pathfields, Dartmouth