DISTRICT council deputy leader Ruth Coleman is determined to carry on knitting at meetings despite complaints from the public.

Protestors shouted out complaints about Coun Coleman's knitting at a meeting last week, aggrieved because they thought she was treating a debate over 600 new homes in Corsham with disrespect.

But Coun Coleman will not be laying down her needles. She claims knitting helps her concentrate. She also has the backing of council leader David Packham.

"Most women do many things at once, it is the way we get through life," said Coun Coleman. "To suggest I can only do one thing at once is rather offensive really."

Coun Coleman, from Christian Malford, was elected to the Hill Rise ward in 1991. She said she had been knitting clothes for years.

"I was very surprised at the reaction. People do lots of things during meetings, reading, writing letters. A lot of people talk quietly and occasionally people go to sleep," she said. "I think the speech I made indicated I was paying attention."

Coun Packham said: "It's quite clear Mrs Coleman's knitting does not impair her concentration one bit."