Paul Burgess, of Haldon Avenue, Teignmouth, writes:

Excuses, excuses, excuses – what a shame that two candidates and long standing councilors have failed to grasp the opportunity for local democracy and take part in a meeting so that residents of East Teignmouth can meet candidates for the town council elections.

The excuse is legal reasons ... what a load of rubbish.

Things need to change in Teignmouth and here was a golden opportunity for these candidates to express what they intend to do if elected and how they will ensure that things do change, what new ideas they have and how they will engage with residents..

Both councilors were contacted as early as 30th March and raised no issues.

PPCs and local councillors' candidates up and down the country hold similar events, so precedents are set. Other colleagues of the councilors thought this was an excellent idea and tried to organise similar events.

Perhaps the real reason is a lack of new ideas, a lack of willingness to change things and recognise that the council cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results.