Former Honiton Town Council employee, Tony McCollum, has officially stepped down, after handing in a letter of resignation yesterday (Jan 4).

In it, Mr McCollum stated: "It is with deep regret that after 10 years of working for the Honiton Town Council, I sadly have no other option but to give you notice of my resignation from my position as Town Development Manager/Market Manager.

"This comes about due to extensive bullying and harassment by town councillors following my election to East Devon District Council in May 2019.

"My position has been made completely untenable by councillors directly interfering in my job on a day to day basis in a number of different ways.

"Following a period of illness caused by councillor bullying and harassment I have recently attempted to return to work but the council has failed to follow its own procedures and has placed obstacles in the way of a successful return."

He went on to say: "Honiton Town Council has a dreadful history of poor staff relations arising from councillors failing to take advice and expecting staff to work on their behalf in unlawful ways rather than working for the community.

"This runs alongside a policy of driving out councillors with different and more community minded views.

"I hope that those who have brought the council to such a low ebb will soon be replaced by more worthy representatives of Honiton residents.

"Sadly, my being forced to leave the council will have a negative impact on my income.

"I will therefore need to consider a constructive dismissal claim against the town council at an employment tribunal in order to seek compensation for this.

"Once again the Honiton community will be faced with costs which are entirely due to the irresponsible actions of town councillors.

"I have no doubt that as usual, once I have left remaining councillors will try to besmirch my reputation in order to bolster their own.

"To them I say that they should finally just do as reasonable people in their position would have done long ago and resign so that a fresh start can occur and Honiton Town Council can once again become something we can be proud of."