With reference to Cllr Mike Trevorrow’s letter, Chronicle, July 14, I find it rather disingenuous of him to imply that his contribution to village life is superior to that of Cllrs Lucy Payne and Elizabeth Essex, when I would suggest that he has no idea of the work they did for the community prior to them becoming valuable and hard-working members of the parish council.

I should also point out that, unlike Cllr Trevorrow, their behaviour has not been criticised in an independent standards investigation.

This abuse of these two women councillors, which has been on-going for three years, must stop.

In the national press, we hear numerous accounts of the bullying and distress caused to people who volunteer for public posts. It is a very sad indictment of the Kingswear community, that this abhorrent behaviour is taking place in our village.

Can I ask the people who continue to verbally attack these councillors how they would feel if it was one of their family on the receiving end of this detestable behaviour?

Can I remind Kingswear Parish Council that it has a “duty of care” towards these councillors to ensure that they can take part in village meetings without facing attempts at intimidation and vocal abuse.

I have yet to see a positive move to protect these people. I call on the chairman of the council to inform us as what action will be taken if this disgraceful behaviour continues

Peter Pudduck

Wood Lane, Kingswear