A LOCAL political group which launched personal attacks against many sitting Crediton Town Councillors in literature distributed around the town before the recent elections issued an apology in a recently-published election leaflet.

It reads:

“A note on our last Independents for Crediton leaflet.

“Following the distribution of our last leaflet some objections have been raised by members of the local community concerning the tone of the newsletter and the perception of negative campaigning.

“I would like to apologise personally to individual councillors, their friends, supporters and other local residents who found this approach unacceptable.

“The aim was to highlight:

a) shortcomings in town council structures which we believe prevent the development and delivery of ideas and policies

b) conflicts and compromises within the current group of councillors which we believe lead to a poorer quality of government.

“Criticism of individual councillors was limited to their roles as elected representatives and was not intended to impugn the character of any individual.

“I take personal responsibility for the text of the last leaflet, including insufficient consultation with IfC members and supporters.

“Paul Vincent (co-ordinator, IfC).”