We must remember it was the public who voted for us

I AM sure that there are very few members of the public who would disagree with the councillors and officers of West Devon Borough Council that a core strategy is vital for future development plans for this area, and indeed across the country.

However, what I and scores of residents in both Okehampton and Tavistock find incredible is why the vote had to be rushed through on Monday April 19, especially as there is soon to be a General Election and if the Conservative Party wins, they have made it quite clear that they do not support these large developments.

So we have to ask ourselves why the Conservative Councillors who attended the meeting completely ignored this policy.

A request was made for the decision to be put to full council but astonishingly the leader of the council, chairwoman of the meeting and officers were adamant that the vote should be taken there and then.

Sadly, the residents of Okehampton have told me they are all thoroughly disillusioned by us councillors and West Devon Borough Council as a whole.

We must remember that it was the public who voted for us.

They pay their council taxes — so does that not mean that we are 'public servants!'

Edna Hicks

West Devon Borough Council Okehampton East