Town mayor says the voluntary group performs a ‘valuable role’.

Honiton Senior Council is a credit to the town, says Mayor Vernon Whitlock.

He hopes it will continue, despite the resignations of two of its leading members.

Mr Whitlock chaired an extraordinary meeting of the group, which attracted a big turnout but no takers to join the committee. However, the organisation will continue.

He said the voluntary group had performed a valuable role.

The meeting marked the resignations of chairman Tony Smith and secretary Tony Simpson, who thanked members for their support and said they wished to continue to take part in senior council meetings.

They said they wished to continue campaigning on issues such as transport, rural post offices, libraries, bus passes, charges for car parks and swimming pools, pensions, disability access and other issues decided by members and highlighted progress on the memory cafe, the Bungalow and Mackarness Hall.

Tony Simpson said: “Senior Council for Devon may change its name to Senior Voice. It is some progress, but it is not the only option for us.

“The branch has also received approaches to join with Devon Pensioners’ Action Forum, the National Pensioners’ Convention and Ottery Later Life Forum. Let us keep our options open.”

A committee meeting on February 8, at Honiton Methodist Church, will be considering a proposal to create an honorary membership to coincide with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee.