THE furious row over the sale of the Shaldon ferryboat workshop is heading for the top of government.

The village regatta committee is appealing to a minister about Teignbridge Council's decision to reject its bid of £100,000 for the building in favour of a £200,000 offer from a mystery man.

The committee maintains it offered superior community use, which outweighed the extra cash offered by the rival.

The other bidder is remaining anonymous, but has accused the committee of being 'bullying' and 'threatening', and is demanding an apology.