THE relationship between Crediton Town Council and members of the public has not always been easy.

Public meetings can sometimes feel tense, and discussions online are often sharper still. Recent social media comments have described us as being “in God’s waiting room.” and "ashtray on a motorbike".

Town councils exist to serve their communities, and scrutiny from residents is both legitimate and necessary. Public participation is part of a healthy democracy. But in Crediton, the atmosphere at some meetings can feel tense or even vitriolic.

A small number of residents attend meetings regularly and ask questions — often passionately and persistently.

Some raise concerns about practical issues residents want to see resolved, such as replacing damaged, noticeboards or stolen signage. Sometimes delays are within the council’s control; but often they are not, because they involve other authorities or external processes.

Others raise questions about governance, transparency and how information is handled. These are legitimate issues that any public body must take seriously.

The residents raising them clearly care about Crediton and about how the council operates.

However, council meetings in Crediton invariably feel less like conversations and more like confrontations.

When many issues are raised at once, or discussions become heated, it can be difficult for constructive dialogue to take place. That atmosphere risks discouraging other residents from attending or participating.

Councillors must also recognise that frustration does not appear from nowhere. When projects take time, communication is unclear, or residents feel their concerns have not been addressed, people will quite reasonably push harder for answers.

Perhaps it is time for all of us — councillors and residents alike — to pause and reflect on how we engage with one another.

Members of the public might ask themselves:

Am I raising a constructive point, or trying to catch someone out or ridicule them?

Am I challenging a decision, or making a personal attack..or a bit of both?

Do I ultimately want the council to succeed for the benefit of the town?

Councillors could ask themselves:

Are we truly listening to residents, even when criticism is uncomfortable?

Do we sometimes become defensive instead of responding openly?

Are we prioritising the issues that residents consistently raise?

Crediton is a town where people care deeply about their community and some are not afraid to speak up.

If councillors and residents can move from confrontation toward collaboration, we will not only improve the tone of our meetings — we will also get far more done for the town we all care about.

Rachel Backhouse

Crediton Town Councillor

[Please note: These are my personal views only]