Before the matter of the ­community shop escalates ­completely out of hand, I think it is time for me to reiterate my position.

I am not against the existence of the shop, nor the work its volunteers apparently do, and I have never said I am. The ­simple fact is that a number of local people have complained to me about the shop continually displaying its wares on the pavement. Why have they come to me? Probably because I live so close to the shop and they know I am a town councillor. None of them have objected to the presence of the shop itself, but it has been pointed out that other charity shops in town seem to manage perfectly well without piling up goods outside their premises.

To attempt to vilify these people exhibits the kind of prejudice that the shop’s supporters say they object to. The complainants are also members of the community and have every right to express their opinions.

As to the suggestion from the shop’s (anonymous) volunteer that I am opposed to it because I fell out with Dawn Shepherd during the days when we set up the food bank together, I have to say that I strongly object to the insinuation that I am that petty. I leave that to others.

All I ask is that those involved in the community shop respect the whole of the community that they are a part of.

Cllr David Gent

Churchill Court

Dartmouth