IF EVER we needed an example of the evils of social media then last week has given us plenty of ammunition.

While I cannot call former Ilminster mayor Rose Neave a friend (I have only ever met her at official functions), I have been shocked and disgusted at the venom that has been posted on Facebook since her resignation at the town’s annual meeting.

As a rule, despite pressure to do so, I choose not to engage through this dubious method of communication myself, as I feel that the ‘friends’ one makes are false, which has been borne out this week.

To me a friend is someone I have met and socialised with, not someone I have never met and have only exchanged what amounts to little more than gossip with, and I am not especially interested in the opinions of those I have little in common with.

Apparently Rose’s reasons for standing down have been linked, wrongly, to the recent planning decision to refuse the development application along Shudrick Valley.

There have also been other unpleasant comments in relation to her integrity. What this has highlighted is the lack of cooperation and support she has received since her appointment by those whose noses were put out of joint; no wonder she has decided to stand down.

At least she will be able to sleep a lot easier from now on.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh, Combe St. Nicholas

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