Nothing really should surprise me at Wiltshire Council, but it did shock me to learn that the council has no gifts and hospitality register.

In the past it has always been good practice for any member of the council to register any gifts and hospitality they may receive. I think the ruling was anything over £25 should be declared, and rightly so.

I’m sure that, like myself, most members would never need to use the register but any gifts, no matter how small, should be on record, to protect the member and to ensure that as a council, we are open and transparent.

How many times have we been accused as councillors of taking backhanders? We all know that this is total rubbish, I have always found the vast number of councillors to be hardworking and their only interest is to do the best for the local community.

However, the absence of a gifts and hospitality register is sending out all the wrong messages to the residents of Wiltshire, many of whom have little respect for their council.

Councillor Terry Chivers

Independent Melksham Without North