I write this response not as an elected member of Dartmouth Town Council but purely as a long-time local resident.

The Chronicle’s front page headlines last week said: “One Council plans dumped after vote” and “South Hams jilted at the altar by West Devon.”

Based on the “jilted at the altar” scenario, I find it confusing that after a long courtship one of the two districts proposed to marry the other and, rather than waiting for an answer, went to public consultation (wedding invitations) and rather than waiting for an answer that “I will” went ahead and organised the reception and honeymoon.

Both district councils are strapped for funds, so how much did the whole public consultation cost both areas and are they sharing the costs involved in all this?

Personally in the wake of the recent interest rate increase, which will see our mortgage rates rise, I did not share the enthusiasm that there will be a hike in the South Hams District community charge to endorse the wedding.

I am concerned that moving on that they will continue to share services as before but councillors of both districts will not be loving each other anymore? Hardly the way forward, just maybe lessons will be learnt on this that things move slowly when you put the cart before the horse.

Steve Smith

Britannia Avenue, Dartmouth