Not an acceptable way of canvassing votes

As the electorate are aware the closer election day becomes (local elections) 6th May, politicians of all colours are eager to take to the streets and get their message across to the voting population.

But surely its a sign of desperation when one feels it is OK to harass and pester shoppers who are standing in an orderly queue on a Saturday? (Complaint over candidate's conduct at Primark Sa, April 24).

Is there no depth to which Martin Costello won't stoop to, to try and spread his right-wing trash?

Martin and Mark Webb

Old Town

Modern mayors don't need fancy regalia

You published a letter responding to my call for the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett to return his unspent allowance to his council.

The joint writers of the letter did not declare their political allegiance or that one of them, Robert Merrick is currently our Mayor.

Cllr Merrick also failed to mention that in November 2019 he proposed increasing the Mayor’s allowance, from £2,900 to £4,300.

This was opposed by Labour and Tory Councillors, but passed by one vote (9:8).

One of the arguments for this increase was that it would “allow future Town Mayors to be adequately equipped and attired for events.”

I suggested in my original letter that rather than frequently donning a robe and looking self-important, a better role for a modern mayor would be to link with neighbouring councils to share good practice, and promote joint training.

Your correspondents say my ‘views on the mayoral regalia are well known’. That’s good to know.

Personally I would do away with the fancy dress and keep just the simple chain of office. That is enough, and it is what forward-looking councils have done.

In Calne, councillors too have robes to wear for civic occasions. I have never worn one, judging that a smart suit is sufficiently respectful for these events and mindful that we are living in the 21st century, not the 19th.

When the old Liberal Party was a progressive, and at times a radical, force in British politics, it had no time for such flummery.

Councillor John Boaler

Calne Town Council

Central Ward (Labour)