SEATON mayor Sandra Semple has hit back at claims the Regeneration Board is an independent body.

SEATON mayor Sandra Semple has hit back at claims the Regeneration Board is an independent body.

She argues it was set up by East Devon District Council, who chose its original members - from town, district and county councillors and officers, and representatives from Tesco, Seaton Tramway and Axe Riverside Company.

She said: "If it were an independent body, the fair and transparent procedure would have been for Cllr Franklin to have asked the voting members during the meeting to support his wish that I resign.

"They would then have has the opportunity to vote on it and would have been able to be aware of the full facts behind the request.

"As it is, I see no point in being on a Board which requires total acquiescence on all matters from all members - it just becomes a rubber stamp and window-dressing exercise.