Secrecy mistake

I was saddened to witness and to read (Herald, December 6) of the criticism and attacks on Councillor Roger Giles.

Roger is a model representative – passionate about the whole of Ottery St Mary parish and its inhabitants and an indefatigable worker for us all.

The council seems to have difficulty in understanding a fundamental point: whilst it may on occasion be necessary to hold some discussions in confidence, it can never be acceptable to keep the existence of those discussions a secret.

Indeed, the more confidential the discussions, the more important it is to be open about them taking place and to explain why they need to be confidential.

Our excellent mayor, Glyn Dobson, and some of his colleagues, should now admit that an error of judgement has been made, apologise to Councillor Giles, and learn from their mistake.

Dick Beardsall

Chairman, West Hill Residents’ Association