PAUL FITZGERALD, of Seymour Drive, Dartmouth, writes:

I refer to the question 'Should the mayor-making parade be stopped?' brought up in the Chronicle on March 23.

The writing was on the wall when the Royal Marine band at BRNC was disbanded. But even before that there was the gradual demotion of our council. Town councils – or their powers – were abolished in the early 1990s. The chain of command was then county, district and parish. There is nothing wrong with calling yourself a 'town council', several do, for example Totnes and Brixham, as long as you realise that they only have the power of a parish council.

Of course, not too long ago Dartmouth had a borough council and had even more power and responsibility. But that is all gone although Dartmouth is pretty unique, because of its position and the amazing properties it still owns.

This is all very frustrating for our council as they really are subservient to South Hams Council. No decisions can be made without the district council's approval – planning, parking, anything in the Avenue Gardens, parades etc.

While thinking about the mayor's parade I then read that several councillors do not attend anyway. That speaks for itself.

Here's a thought, if Dartmouth only has a parish council, should it have a mayor at all? I do not think we would agree to that.

There are too many traditions falling by the wayside in this country. We do not have to do what a lot of others do. It is our town and our tradition.

Let's keep it alive while we can and never mind the South Hams.