RE: YOUR article on page 5 of the September 18 issue of the Somerset Mercury Resignation follows gay complaint , I wish to make a few comments following your article which reported the resignation of former

RE: YOUR article on page 5 of the September 18 issue of the Somerset Mercury "Resignation follows 'gay' complaint", I wish to make a few comments following your article which reported the resignation of former parish councillor Margaret Jordan of Compton Bishop Parish Council.

It has come to my attention that the chairman of our council, Councillor Eddie Farley, supports Councillor Jordan in maintaining that she did not make the homophobic statement "what do gays know about family life?" Cllr Farley was not present when the comment was made and so he is clearly accepting the words of one of his councillors above the words of another.

I feel that this is unacceptable chairmanship on his part.

Cllr Farley should remember the day-to-day running of our parish should primarily be the responsibility of this council and not the Standards Committee at Sedgemoor. He may be unhappy with the 'inept human relations handling' but, at the end of the day, he has a duty to ensure that all members of his council feel treated fairly and equally.

COUNCILLOR BYRNE - Wavering Down House, Cross