THE decision to sell the Shaldon ferryboat workshop to a mystery bidder is so flawed that it could be challenged by a judicial review, it was alleged this week.

It is the claim of the village regatta committee, which was dumbfounded when its bid of £100,000 to obtain the building for community use was turned down by Teignbridge Council.

Instead it was offered to an unknown person who bid £200,000 and promised some 'vague' community use, consisting of sailing opportunities for the disabled. This was later changed to motor boating.

There is a fear in the village that ways could be found in the future to circumvent any covenants to develop the prime riverside site for housing.