I refer to the fiasco of an attempted meeting of the Sandown Town Council on September 5.

As mayor, I presided over that meeting and called for any questions relating to the matters on the agenda from the public. As some of the questions did not relate to the agenda I asked the member of the public not to continue.

Unsubstantiated allegations against me personally and my family were then made during the public outcry. As I could not quieten the public I closed the meeting in accordance with my power as chairman (Town Council Standing Orders 1(c) and 75.) The only remaining item on the agenda was deferred to another time.

The clerk and other members of the council left the meeting. I am sorry an elected IW councillor has not read the fundamental rules we have to work to and she chose to disrupt the meeting too.

The clerk wished to lock up the building and set the alarm and, as the meeting would not disperse, the police were called. The crowd did not disperse from the car park until much later and the CCTV shows this.

The alleged good humour was not present when I left the building as I had to walk through a rowdy crowd. I am horrified a paid employee of the council (the clerk) also had to suffer this intimidation.

This is an undemocratic, sustained campaign by a minority group and I and other councillors should not be made to feel intimidated. I am hurt and offended that after almost 20 years of working for this town I should be bullied by this group and my integrity called into question.

I will address town council issues through the proper channels not via social media but when my family is called into question I can see I shall have to get solicitors’ advice.