Dear Editor — Councillor Wynne Evans, who breached the code of conduct by failing to declare an interest during debates on a friend’s planning application (Western Telegraph, (October 15th), said it ‘highlighted a very grey area’.

The Ombudsman found that by failing to declare an interest Cllr Evans breached sections ten and 16(3) of the code which state members must consider whether they have a personal interest, and whether they are required to disclose it, and, if they have an interest, they must disclose it and withdraw from consideration of that matter.

When challenged by Cllr Michael Williams about his relationship with the applicant and whether it meant he ought to declare an interest in the debate, Cllr Evans replied: “Herons Brook [the applicants] are friends of mine, that’s what comes from living in a small community. I’m delighted to call them friends of mine.”

That seems pretty black and white to me.

Finally, if Cllr Evans “and many of his colleagues” have not already grasped the basic principle that they are not on the council to promote the interests of themselves, their families or friends, then no amount of ‘extra training’ is likely to make much difference.

Mike Stoddart Court Farm, Liddeston, Milford Haven.