I thank Alan for his open letter. (Accessible via the red button below.)

Alan's work towards this town, its citizens and the greater community is astonishing and puts all of us into the shade!

Honiton is lucky to have Alan.

As town councillors we all serve at the pleasure of the public who elected us and if the public seek a change we MUST abide by their wishes.

We all have great things we would like to accomplish - we all have exciting projects we are working on with members of groups, associations and communities.

These things must take precedent over others, surely.

Yes, as a group of individuals we will bash heads and clash from time to time but in the best interests of our town we should always try to put our own convictions to one side, for the greater good.

When we talk about bullying, well that's serious - I know first hand, I've felt bullied and been bullied. My reputation has been questioned, my lifestyle has been subjected to ridicule and I have felt deep fear.

As a trade unionist I have, sadly, represented far too many colleagues and staff who have been involved in cases of harassment and bullying - it's never a good place to be and is filled with fear, apprehension and in many cases terror.

It can take so many horrific forms, I can be represented in the playground by name calling, represented in the street with shaking fingers and fists, it can be represented by a raised voice "shut up", "sit down stupid" or just a repeated negative attitude towards someone else.

As public servants we must always adhere to the Nolan Principals of Public Service.

• Selflessness

• Integrity

• Objectivity

• Accountability

• Openness

• Honesty

• Leadership

If any of these are called into question then, as public servants, we must react to the public's wishes.

Today I have read that there is a petition to seek a change in council, if this is the wish of our community then we should, as decent human beings, respond.