Petition calling for Honiton Town Council to resign gathers traction

Honiton residents have started a petition calling for all members of Honiton Town Council to resign, so that the public can re-elect councillors as they see fit.

The petition calls into the question the reputation of the town council, stating that over the past few years it has been 'very poor'.

It explains: "The council has spent tens of thousands of pounds on legal fees, two clerks have taken sick leave due to work related stress.

"Various councillors have resigned in the last four years and there have been disagreements and allegations publicised in the press and social media.

"Although there has been some good work done by some councillors it is time for a fresh start."

As recently verified in a response to accusations of bullying, the Mayor has expressed concern about a 'disruptive element amongst current councillors'.

According to the petition: "The only way to solve this is for the town to re-elect the councillors it wants representing them."

The Deputy Mayor, Duncan Sheridan-Shaw has responded with a call for the council to respect the wishes of the people. He also stated that allegations of bullying should be taken 'very seriously'.

The petition makes clear that 'the town council is under no legal obligation to resign, but that this will show how the town feels regarding the conduct and transparency of the current council'.

At the time of writing, the petition which was started yesterday (February 18) has 107 supporters.

A link to the petition can be accessed via the red button below.