Kingsteignton will cease to be one of Britain's largest villages at the stroke of midnight on new year's eve. On January 1, 2009, the 12,000-strong community will, for the second time in its history, adopt town status. The decision to change was first proposed in October when the parish council said the village would be consumed by Newton Abbot if proposed government boundary changes went ahead. The community was asked to comment but despite widespread media coverage only five responses were generated. On Wednesday evening councillors agreed to press ahead. The debate was sparked by a member of the public who asked if this would be the final meeting of the parish council. Chairman Cllr Mike Walters said the authority would continue to meet but in future would be known as either Kingsteignton Town Council or the Council of Kingsteignton. He denied ever saying that the council would press ahead with the scheme regardless of public opinion but that he had in a previous meeting quoted the Local Government Act 1972 which gave parish councils the right to adopt town status. That did not satisfy village baker Adrian Full who said his customers were complaining about the change. He said: 'The people who have put you here have not got a say on the subject, you will do what you want to do, not what we want you to do.' Cllr Walter replied: 'The council, town or parish, will do the best for you.' Several of his colleagues supported the change. Cllr Len Holland, Kingsteignton born and bred, said it was 'with great reluctance' that change should come but come it must. Cllr Beryl Austen listed the reasons why she thought Kingsteignton could no longer be thought of as a village. She said it had the third largest population in the district, the largest hotel complex, a racecourse, superstore and three business parks, a community college and two primary schools, three church communities and an international clay industry. 'It's a little bit crazy isn't it?' she said. Bringing the discussion to a close Cllr Keith Howard said 'fundamental questions about democracy' had been asked and which needed answers. 'We need to have the courage to do what we think is best without going to a referendum at every step,' he said. 'Those who are opposed have the press they can use and, ultimately, the elections.'