I HAVE been asked to write on behalf of the town council to clarify points raised in the letter published on August 28, 2013 — 'vote was obtained for us by suffering and death'.

Election law provides that whether or not to issue poll cards is a matter for each town or parish council to decide on the occasion of a by-election.

In the case of the Tavistock North Ward the town council considered that in view of the costs involved it would not proceed with that option.

However, the details of the election were advertised in the public notices section of the Times on August 8, through an editorial comment in the Times on August 15, on the town hall notice board and the town council's own website as well as by candidates canvassing the electorate.

I trust this clarifies the situation.

Carl Hearn

Tavistock Town Clerk