Dave Retter.

Honiton Town Council draws up town crier policy.

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A new town crier policy has been drawn up in Honiton.

The policy was discussed by councillors last week following a request from the town crier, Dave Retter.

It comes after an incident in 2010 when a business was opened in High Street by an independent town crier, who was employed by the national chain.

The meeting heard this caused much distress to Mr Retter and contravened the rules of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

On this one occasion, the town crier and town council were not consulted.

As a result, the town crier requested the council formalise matters to avoid this happening in the future.

Councillor Sharon Pavey said: “It is great to have a policy, but something could happen again because the shops do not know.

“I think it was just a blip and a one off.”

The town clerk advised that registered town criers belong to the guild and are subject to rules which require them to inform the hosting town.

If this is not done, they can be struck off.

The meeting heard that a complaint was lodged with the guild.

Councillor Vernon Whitlock said: “We have got a tremendous asset in Dave Retter.

“He is not only a tremendous character, he is a really good ambassador for the town.

“He works very hard to promote the town wherever he goes and publicise Honiton when he goes across the country.”

The town crier is appointed to the honorary position by the town council.

The policy means that, in accordance with the rules of membership for the guild, any external town crier will not be permitted to make any cries in the parish of Honiton without the prior knowledge and permission of the mayor or town council officers.

It has been recommended for approval by the full town council on March 11.