Complaints over Seaton exhibition

A STAND Up for Seaton member did not attend the second day of exhibitions for the supermarket planning applications after a complaint was made to the town clerk.

Lizzie Bewsher was told there had been objections to her staying for the whole day during the public consultation for Sainsbury's and Tesco's plans.

She argued she had simply been encouraging people to have their say, but decided not to return as her presence would be 'awkward.'

She said: "I was perfectly entitled to be there all day, but I didn't want to make things awkward for the town clerk, David Mears. There were a lot of people from Stand Up for Seaton so there was no real need for me to be there.

"It's unpleasant that somebody complained, obviously - for the town council. I don't think they had reason to complain. People were speaking to me and I was listening to representatives of both Seaton and Tesco. People need to be clear what's going to happen if either application is successful."

But Mayor Sandra Semple quashed rumours she had been banned from the exhibitions last week.

She said: "I was there for the whole of the first day. A public consultation doesn't require the town mayor to be available all the time."

Mr Mears was on annual leave and unavailable for comment.

East Devon District Council said a member of the public had been in touch with them about the exhibition, but did not give details.

A spokesman for EDDC said: "We can confirm that a member of the public has contacted EDDC regarding the conduct of the exhibition at Seaton last week. They have been advised of the complaints procedure for alleged breaches of the councillor code of conduct.

"The exhibition of supermarket and other regeneration plans was organised by Seaton Town Council, and responsibility for the conduct of the event is a matter for the members and officers of that council