CLAIMS that Launceston Town Council are acting undemocratically were made by a member of the public at its recent meeting.

During the public representation session of the June 18 meeting, two members of the public were challenged by the mayor, Cllr Dave Gordon, and told that the were not allowed to speak as their subject was not on the agenda.

The agenda states that part of the meeting is ‘an opportunity for local residents to make representations to the council or to ask questions relating to items on the agenda.’

Despite this challenge by the mayor, both ladies were permitted to speak.

At the end of the public session, Joan Heaton questioned the council’s standing orders if it means the public are not able to address the council on subjects of their choice, only what is on the agenda.

She said: “I don’t think that’s very democratic and I would ask the council to change their standing orders please.”

Clerk to the council, Mr Christopher Drake said the council’s standing orders are as per the NALC (National Association of Local Councils), but the council has an opportunity to review them on an annual basis.

Mrs Heaton followed her query with a letter to the clerk in which she called it “an essential right in our democracy — the right to bring an issue to one’s elected representatives for consideration.”

She added: “Could council please note this fundamental issue of free speech in our society. Launceston Town Council sits to represent the interests of the residents, not to deny them a voice.”