MEMBERS of the public are permitted to speak, at the discretion of the chairman, at local parish council meetings.

However, if you choose to exercise this right, be careful what you say. I believe whatever you do say can be ignored, new statements attributed to you and formally minuted.

According to Torridge District Council's solicitor, Mr Ken Miles, if all parish councillors present agree the Minute (which could be as few as three councillors), I believe this then becomes the true record and you can do nothing about it.

FRANCIS COURTENAY,

Yarnscombe,

Barnstaple.