Woofstock UK has decided to push ahead with Dartmouth 2018 plans, despite a lack of support from town councillors.

In a statement given to the Chronicle ahead of live Facebook announcement on Thursday evening, organisers Heather Nesbitt and Carol Bevan, from Blackawton, said: "Whilst we are saddened at the dismissive treatment of not only ourselves but other members of the public by the mayor and town councillors, we are not surprised given their behaviour not only recently but also at last year’s town council meeting.

"We were at the meeting to ask for the support of the town council the very people who are elected to represent the town and its interests.

"We are aware they are not the decision makers in relation to Coronation Park but their support for Woofstock UK would have meant we had confidence going forward.

"The town council meeting was clearly set up to silence us this is abundantly clear not to only those who attended but to others who have watched the recording of the meeting. The mayor’s [Cllr Richard Cooke] inappropriate comment about ’Crufts’, was not what is expected of someone who is elected to public office. We found it insulting and demeaning.

"We have worked tirelessly to promote the town through films with the support of John Walker, have brought trade to the town and a new energy that was evident on the week leading up to Woofstock UK as well as on the day and yet, this is not enough to gain the support of the town council.

"However, we will not be silenced or dismissed. We will continue to be heard and move forward with the support of the people of Dartmouth, the businesses of Dartmouth and the surrounding area, the district councillors and the visitors who came to Dartmouth for Woofstock UK. We cannot thank people enough for their support and determination to see Woofstock UK flourish.

"We will return to Coronation Park on August 4, 2018, with the support of the district councillors and subject to us receiving a letter of confirmation from South Hams District Council. Whilst we do not have the support of the town council we do have the support of Dartmouth which is far more valuable to us."

Read more in the Chronicle, together with a report of Monday’s town council meeting.