A former Dartmouth in Bloom officer and committee member has lashed out at the way the town's new- look bloom team has been re-formed – with veteran volunteers left out in the cold.

Sue Thomson was the publicity and marketing officer with the bloom committee until she resigned a month ago as the committee split into factions over how the organisation was being run.

She said: 'Dartmouth In Bloom has achieved tremendous accolades over the past 33 years, in the last two years we have brought the gold back to the town and last year the Ayre Cup returned after a number of years absence – all of which is down to hard work and the dedication by a team of people who believe in bringing wonderful colour and joy to our town, which is important for our tourism and traders.'

She claimed there had been 'a total disregard for what has been achieved over the last two seasons but the hardest thing to accept is the complete lack of compassion'.

She went on: 'The way in which they have spoken to and treated Jane Joy is unforgivable. Jane has been a pivotal part of Dartmouth in Bloom since day one, 33 years past and she has held the position of secretary for the last 16 years, so she feels the hurt more than most.'

Mrs Thomson attacked complaints about the way the bloom funds had been handled as 'bordering on slanderous' and criticised the way the company which had been supplying hanging baskets for the effort for the last 17 years was told the bloom team would be producing its own hanging baskets this year.

She said: 'When Jane received a phone call from South West in Bloom the week before Christmas, informing us that we had been selected to represent the whole of the South West in the costal town category in the nationals, most of us were elated, to say the least.

'The RHS had been impressed with our achievements during the last year and felt with the progress we had made a shot at the nationals was within our grasp.'

She questioned why it was necessary for attacks to be launched on committee members and added: 'You don't expect this sort of behaviour from adults.

'Why could they not embrace what has been achieved and the challenge we had been presented? Why do they feel the need to destroy the goodwill?

'The cloak of envy lies heavy on their shoulders – all I can say is be careful what you wish for.'

She added finally: 'I would like to take this opportunity to wish the new committee of Dartmouth in Bloom the very best of luck this year of 2013, you have a lot to live up to, retaining gold for the town, keeping the Ayre Cup and achieving a respectable result in the national finals at Cleethorpes.

'So good luck with the fundraising, the sponsorship, and with your volunteers for the weeding, the planting and the erecting and watering of 117 hanging baskets and four manger baskets, you have a very busy year ahead.

'I am sure the town council will be taking a very keen interest in your efforts, as well as townsfolk.

'We are all looking forward to the floral extravaganzas, to use Cllr Dave Cawley's words, which the new dynamic management team will produce.'