Whitchurch Town Council has defended its decision to remove councillors' contact details from its website, saying it is in line with new legislation.

The details were removed prior to April's full town council meeting but the council have cited new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) rules as why the numbers and emails have been taken down.

The council says it will still be able to respond to residents with concerns and queries, despite not having direct access to their contact details.

"Whitchurch town councillors have taken the decision to remove their personal contact details from the town council website, particularly with reference to the new General Data Protection Regulations that are coming into force on May 25, 2018," said town clerk Nicola Young.

"Although councillor personal contact details have been removed from the website, in line with the new legislation, Whitchurch town councillors still wish to reassure the people of Whitchurch this Council operates in an open and transparent manner.

"There are several avenues of communication open to local people including a first point of contact at the community hub, open Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm and Saturdays 10am until 1pm.

"Comments, compliments and complaints can be given to Hub staff who will pass onto the relevant member of staff or, in the instances of town councillors, directly to the town clerk who will make sure Councillors receive the information."

People can also use info@whitchurchcouncil.uk, 01948 665761, via Facebook Messenger through the Whitchurch Town Council Facebook page or through the Town Clerk, especially with regards to contacting town councillors.

Ms Young added: "By removing councillor personal data from the town council website should in no way should suggest to local people that Whitchurch Town Councillors cannot be contacted.

"Should a direct request for an individual or several councillors be received by the Hub or town clerk the information will be passed directly onto that councillor."

Meanwhile, Councillor Tony Neville was elected mayor for another year with Cllr Bev Duffy as deputy while Harvey Vasey joined the councillor as a co-opted member.