Cllr Ian Parkes, of Falklands Way, Teignmouth, writes:

My motion to not support the town council's request to take on a 12-month licence for the Meadow Centre from Teignbridge Council, but to back the Kingsway Residents' Association in their nearly completed negotiations with Teignbridge to take on a short term licence and to leave the district council as the landlord, was defeated in a meeting behind closed doors on Tuesday last week (Teignmouth Post page 1).

This was at a meeting where several members of the public were refused permission to speak on the matter, even though they fulfilled all the criteria to do so.?

The association has – under the umbrella of community group Westbank, brought in to rescue the centre after the bankruptcy of the previous organisation in charge – run the centre brilliantly for more than 12 months, with a trustee board of residents with the deliberate exclusion of politicians and other groups who may have their own reasons to take an interest.

They and their band of local volunteers have run youth clubs for up to 130 local children, bingo, lunch clubs and many other events for the older residents. There are many other activities.?

They have ensured that this is indeed an organisation run by the people of the estate for the people of the estate.?

In my opinion the town council has no need to interfere. It has no remit to build up a property portfolio and should instead support KRA in its efforts.

At no time I believe has the mayor, Cllr James McMurray, the chairman of the finance and general purposes committee, Cllr Sylvia Russell, or the clerk seen fit, even as a matter of courtesy, to speak to the association.

In fact the council's support for the estate over the last few years has been virtually nil.?

The residents have called a public meeting, so please support in any way you can.?I know the residents were so delighted to receive the support of long standing ward member Cllr Fred Tooley. As one resident said to me: 'Oh for 11 more Freds.'This and other letters in our digital edition