A group of Hadleigh councillors have been accused of once again failing to be open and transparent after secretly discussing new legal action to be sent to townspeople.

Hadleigh Together members of the Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity committee voted to discuss and agree potential legal action in the confidential part of last night's meeting at the town hall.

Only one councillor, Andrew Knock, voted against the motion as he argued the item should be discussed in public as no names of those involved, or any other confidential matters would be spoken about.

However, the chairman Gavin Talbot advised by the town clerk Wendy Brame, said the item should be discussed privately, which appears to be in breach of the 1972 Localism Act as they did not specify the category of exempt information as listed in Schedule 12A.

Nub News understands the charity members wanted to consider a legal letter drafted by the former town council manager Cheryl Tye, who has now resigned, threatening car owners that have been using spaces next to the Guildhall, with cease and desist action, at a potential cost of nearly £200 to tax-payers.

The move to hold talks in secrecy angered members of the public with residents contacting Nub News to air their concerns.

One wrote: "The council, which was elected on a promise of openness and transparency appear to be about to enter another legal process and want to discuss, in private, the fact that the officers have been making decisions and negotiating arrangements about the car park without a council resolution, or even the councillors knowing that there were difficult relations between the council and their neighbours.

"Did some councillors know this? And others didn't? Why are unelected officers who don't even live in the town committing the councillors unwittingly to conflict with their neighbours and constituents?

"Potential embarrassment about yet another unnecessary escalation of hostilities with the people of Hadleigh, is no reason to hold a secret meeting to retrospectively follow your policies and standing orders."

Cllr Talbot and the clerk have been contacted for comment, but neither has yet responded.

Meanwhile, Cllr Rolf Beggerow has suggested other members of the public, not just councillors, should be representatives or trustees of the Market Feoffmnet Charity and take part in the decision making process.

Currently only Hadleigh town council is a registered trustee.