THROUGHOUT the reporting of the dispute between Ludlow Town Council and the town clerk, Veronica Calderbank, many statements have been printed concerning the alleged behaviour of certain town councillors.

We are writing this letter to balance earlier coverage in the press.

In the recently published judgement only two of the claimed breaches of Ms Calderbank’s contract of employment were upheld.

Anyone who has read the judgement of the tribunal will be aware that accusations made against John Aitken, Jeffry Wilcox and Susan McCormack have been dismissed.

In addition, the town clerk’s claim that the town council failed to make adequate provision for her disability, was dismissed, and her claim for disability discrimination was withdrawn.

These former councillors and their families have had 18 months of misery, with no right of reply.

They freely gave their time and effort to the town in a voluntary capacity, while the former town clerk was salaried at £40,000 per annum.

In the opinion of the undersigned, John Aitken, a Quaker, was not only one of the best mayors that Ludlow has had, but his continuing dedication to charitable works in the town is outstanding. It includes the Ludlow Foyer (supporting homeless young people), the Rotary Club, South Shropshire furniture scheme, chairman of the Conservation Trust for St.

Laurence Ludlow, chairman of the Friends of St Leonard’s Churchyard, to name but a few.

Jeffry Wilcox is a retired canon in the Church of England, who is still active in the church life of Ludlow, a contributor to the Vision Project at St Laurence’s church, and chairman of the Ludlow Mascall Centre.

Susan McCormack, a excellent and respected former South Shropshire district councillor, was a founder member of the South Shropshire Furniture Scheme and is currently its chairman. She was a key member of the town council in formulating the Town Plan. She has gravitas and experience which was very valuable to the town council.

Hard working, dedicated people of such good character should never have been portrayed as they have.

Given the negative coverage in the press, it falls to us, the under - signed, who know these people, to set the record straight.

All addresses are Ludlow unless stated otherwise:

John and Glenys Nash, Linney Villa, Linney.

Pat Hansen, Bockleton, Station Drive.

Patricia and John Meadows, Castledene, Dinham.

Karen and Dan Lloyd, 4 Brand lane.

Lottie James, 145 Corve St.

Pamela Thompson, Woodlands, Linney.

Rev Juergen and Penelope Bridstrup, 4 The Vineyard, Lower Broad St.

Pam and Mike Beazley , Old Gatehouse, Old St.

Stanley and Cy Jones, 23 Mill St.

Dr. Ewart Carson, Fairfield, Linney.

Prof. Michael Rosenbaum, Woodlands, Linney.

Richard Eastwood, Broadgate Cottage, Silk Mill Lane.

Pauline and Gary Oram, 42 Mill St.

David Harlington, 6 Bell Lane.

Lady Valerie Thomas,The Broad Gate.

Richard Caithness, 2 Dinham.

Juliet Diamond, 23A Mill St.

Dr. Derek and Judith Beattie, 68 Lower Broad St.

Ven. Colin Williams, c/o 2 College St Shaun Ward, c/o 2 College St.

Preb. Ann and Ian Barge, 8 Old St.

Roy Coles, 15 Friars Garden.

Richard Mangnall, 36 Broad St.

Jane Hunt, 51 Julian Road.

Gerald Acton, 33 Broad St.

Clive Richardson, 57 Broad St.

Ann Gray, 57 Broad St.

Merlin Unwin, 8 Corve St.

Lindsey and Nick Mundy, 77 Old St.

Elaine and Sandy Downs, 35 Lower Broad St.

Prof. Roger andWendy Bartlett,1 Lower Broad St.

Helen and Barry Forrester OBE, Clees House, Brand Lane.

Daphne Philips, Rhosymedre, Linney.

John Farley, 5 Starstile Meadow, Gravel Hill.

Tom and Clare Dickins, Old Stone House, 113 Corve St.

Peggy and Eileen James, Gallery House, Upper Linney.

Monica Davenport, 2 Upper Linney.

Major Nicholas and Angela Lawson, 11 Corve St.

Sir Michael Day, 30 Broad St.

Philip Ross, Broadgate Mews, Lower Broad St.

Hugh and Doris Wood, 38 Charlton Rise.

Pamela and Alan Latchford, 3 Poyner Road.

Joyce Brand, Flat 1, 3 College St.

Fay Carson, Fairfield, Linney.

Roma Jackson, 53 Lower Broad St.

Julian and AlisonTaylor, Bredon, Linney.

John Barnard, 33 Fishmore View.

Simon Buteux, 301 Amazon Lofts,Tenby Street,Birmingham.

Suzie Shuttleworth, Greenwayhead Farm, Burford.

David and Clare Currant, Steventon House,Steventon Road.

Ann Coe, 21 Stanton Road.

Owen Elias, Linfield, Linney.

Richard and Jane Harding, The Friary, Corve St.

Jo Phelps, Linney House, Linney.

Jenny Vaughan, 16 Stanton Road.

Val Aikens, 32 Broad St.

Jenny Sayer, 6 Raven Lane.

Dr Philip and Peta Sams, Linney.