FRENCH wines and foods are to be banned from all Okehampton Town Council functions in protest against France's refusal to lift the ban on British beef.

But the move has been described as 'petty' by a leading official of the town's twinning association.

The town council decided this week to write to the mayor of its twin town of Craon in Normandy making its feelings known about the French Government's beef ban.

Okehampton mayor Christine Marsh said: 'We can tell him how unhappy we are and this will put the ball back in his court.

'The farmers are getting a raw deal and I hope we as a council can support them.

'This is not a nasty letter — we are just telling them how we feel.'

Cllr Bill Bourne said: 'We are not knocking the people we are twinned with but the French Government — we are looking for support from our twin town.'

Cllr Perry Valance added: 'If the French people do not want to buy our beef they do not have to, but they should have the choice.'

It was suggested that the council consult with the Okehampton Twinning Association first because members, who had been enjoying friendly relations with their French counterparts for 23 years, might be upset by the action.

But Cllr Marsh said there was a charter signed by the mayors of both towns which referred to mutual friendship and brotherly support.

Twinning association secretary Mike Wooller described the council's move as 'a load of rubbish'.

He told the Times: 'The people of Craon have not made this decision any more than the people of Okehampton — it is pretty petty to go tit-for-tat.

'Are they going to write to the German twinners as well, because they have banned our beef, too.'

'I do not approve of the way the English farmers have been treated but I don't think banning French produce is the way to go about it.

'It should be left for our European representatives to sort it out.

'It is a good idea to complain but to do it to the wrong people is a waste of ink and time. As elected members themselves the councillors should know that.

'The people who are representing the UK's interests in Europe are the right target.

'I think there will be mixed views from the people of Craon about this letter, some will be pleased and agree especially the farming contingent and others won't, but I do not think it will affect relations between the two towns.

'There have been many ups and downs between the French and English in the 23 years the twinning association has been going but it has never affected the relationships between us. That is because of the individual friendships that exist.

'I would not take offence if their local authority sent a letter to our local authority complaining about something like this.'

There was not a hint of French produce at the official opening of the refurbished council chamber and offices yesterday (Wednesday), nor will there be at the forthcoming Edwardian evening, if the ban remains in place.

'I would like to think that we could find enough British food for these functions, said Cllr Marsh.

The council also decided to ban German wines and food as that country has yet to lift the ban on British beef.