Richard Rawlins, of Beacon Road, Kingswear, writes:

In a letter of September 8 a group of Kingswear residents issued a letter alleging that three named Kingswear parish councillors had acted without due propriety and ‘for self-interests’.

In spite of requests, no ­evidence for the contention of impropriety has been forthcoming, the councillors have suffered harm and distress and the letter was pointless in any event.

Even had a vote of no confidence in the chairmanship of Cllr Hawkins been passed, he could still have continued as chairman.

News that the signatories have indicated that they are prepared to offer an apology for the allegations is most welcome, Chronicle, November 13.

Why each signatory has

not already sent a personal unreserved apology to each named councillor is inexplicable. Using email, that would be the work of but a moment.

Cllr Hawkins should also reflect on the remarks he made that the three councillors ‘should all resign and stand down and let Kingswear decide whether they are worthy of being councillors for our parish’, Chronicle, October 16. If he no longer holds that view, he should state so unequivocally, and at the same time indicate to what extent he was involved in the original ­letter about their propriety.

One councillor has recently resigned due to pressure of work; a vacancy has arisen and I am calling for a by-election for a replacement.

I very much hope some of the signatories will join me in making up the 10 residents ­necessary for such a call to be actioned. A fresh approach is needed if the village’s unconscionable wounds are to heal.