I was a little perplexed by Margaret Morrissey’s letter lamenting the removal of prayers before full meetings of Dorchester Town Coun-cil.

Firstly the key driver was to comply with a high court ruling.

Keeping to the rule of law must be a fundamental requirement of elected councillors.

Having debated if there was an alternative way of adequately complying with the ruling the majority view after a lengthy and good-natured debate was that it would be easiest and most logical to remove the requirement completely.

The fair and accurate report in the Echo quoted my amendment requiring the mayor of the day to address the council reminding them all to reflect on their requirements to respect all and remember that we represent those of many and no faiths.

At that point individual members who so wish can pray or contemplate their duties and values to all.

Speaking personally I think that many people think it quite strange that prayers have continued for so long.

Surely there cannot be many institutions open to all that do such a thing?

The only other public body outside of a council that people will recall praying openly would most likely be school.

I recall many teachers refused to attend assemblies when I was at school back in the seventies because they didn’t agree with prayers.

I have the greatest of respect for the church groups in the town and for what they do for community adhesion and the good work that they perform and I am happy to work with anyone for the good of the town.

The good relationship between faiths and the town council will doubtless continue but in a less formal and more inclusive way.

Margaret has chosen to quote some of my remarks. I can’t help recalling an incident last May – the arrival of four modern caravans from the travelling community at Poundbury.

It caused a rather unsavoury reaction. Margaret was quoted in the Daily Mail in her capacity as chairman of the Poundbury Residents Association thus: “The travellers are very lucky because the Duchy will deal with this in a very kind and understanding way.

“I don’t think I would be as kind and generous.”

I will let the reader ponder if these are the type of values and traditions that a council should uphold? After all, gypies and travellers are a defined ethnic group and protected under the Race Relations Act. I stand by my remarks that the council chamber is not a place of worship.

Councillors are there to serve all. One’s religion (or none) is best kept a private matter in my view.

Richard Biggs Town and county councillor Bridport Road Dorchester