Having lived in Marlborough all my life, I have always shown an interest in the town's affairs but never previously from the perspective of the council chamber.

Earlier this year it was suggested that I stand for election to the West ward so my views and those of the electors could contribute towards the debates within the town council.

At the election over 700 people cast votes in my favour and I was touched by their confidence in my ability. I have done my best to do so since May.

The agenda for the full council meeting on December 15 contained an item titled Code of Conduct. This was the last item and came under Part 2 which means the public are excluded. At the start of the meeting the mayor announced that it would not be discussed under Part 2, but would be in the public's hearing. While this transparency was clearly the right approach, the timing of the announcement excluded members of the public who had read the agenda prior to the meeting.

When this item came up for discussion, an extraordinary performance took place. Coun Allen read a three-page speech summarising his views of their behaviour.

This ranged from the general: "there are those who choose to ignore the correct procedures in meetings and raise voices in ways that can only serve to intimidate and potentially deny others the opportunity to make their opinions heard," to the particular: "the time I was harangued in the High Street by a fellow councillor, who informed me that none of the other town councillors had a brain cell between them".

He was supported by Coun Dow. However, his motion that a sub-committee be formed to consider councillors' behaviour was defeated; only councillors Allen and Dow voted in favour.

I was forced to endure this schoolmaster's dressing-down despite being innocent of any of the alleged conduct. I therefore strongly refuted his imputations about my behaviour.

M GRAY

Alma Place

Marlborough