Councillors are again making headlines.

Whether it be lack of attention to detail in claiming expenses ( more on that next week following a conduct committee hearing of Fenland Council), buying a castle or the internal squabbling that has led to four Tory councillors being de-selected from their own party before a ballot box vote has been cast,

But there is also the issue of non-attendance by Wisbech councillors at the funeral of former mayor Patrick O’Dell. To us it is a simple matter. The council should have sent a representative. Not because they are required to (they are not) but out of respect for a past holder of a town’s highest honour, that of mayor.

We can’t always choose our families, and sometimes we fall out with our friends, but there is a matter of respect that we believe was lacking on this occasion. Parish, town, district and county councillors accept representation as part of their role - they must not forget it.