IN response and by way of an explanation to J Colwill and M Yorath (Letters, November 5) who wrote regarding the temporary adjournment of the Tavistock Town Council meeting by the Mayor.
As councillors we are always aware that we are accountable to the ratepayers of Tavistock, but there are legal issues which cannot ever be discussed publicly and are held in 'Part 2' (in camera), these may relate to tenants, legal issues or personnel matters.
Where the law requires confidentiality, we must abide by this. In the incident in question the matter was one of personal confidentiality and a purely staffing matter. Employees issues are not a matter for public debate and all councillors were astounded by Mrs Corner's words. The Mayor was quite correct to adjourn the meeting and to protect staffing privacy.
Members of the public are permitted, and in fact encouraged, to ask questions at the beginning of all full council meetings. They must however be questions and not statements, ie, this is not an opportunity to make a point but to have an matter explained by elected members.
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If members of the public wish to make representations they may do so through their elected councillors, any or all of them. I can confirm that for me this is a frequent event. Alternatively, they may wish to become councillors themselves and help to shape the future of our town in fact there is a vacancy now for those who wish to apply.
I hope this helps to dispel any suggestion that the events of that evening were in any way improper and that this demonstrates that the actions of the Mayor were entirely in keeping with good practice.
Brian A A Trew
Chair of Staffing
Tavistock Town Council