A L Coulter, of Becket Road, Bovey Tracey, writes:

I am surprised by the apparent lack of comment/reaction to the announcement that Bovey Tracey Town Council intend to spend some £750,000 to renovate, modernise and generally tart up the town hall. I quite expeced much more than the one correspondent about the matter.

While a long-term resident, though not a Bovonian born and bred, I have a healthy regard for the town council. Over many years they have ensured all that has been necessary to do a good job has been done. The rest of the population here, by and large, don't seem to be anything but satisfied.

The fact that the town hall, a listed building situated where it is, is a real nightmare for them. There is no space for parking for more than two vehicles, it is not a thing of beauty or attraction and in many ways it is not fit for purpose built where it is.

That it served its purpose when it was built must be accepted but as we all know times change and the place where it was put is no longer appropriate for it.

It is unfortunate that as a listed building it has to be preserved and it may be costly to do so. However, you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear and the time has come to cut and run, to find an alternative solution upon which to build a new civic centre. If Bovey Tracey town council can find £750,000 it should do so for a brand new facility that will be capable of meeting all the requirements needed in the present age.

We are celebrating 750 years of existence of a civic charter now and should be looking forward rather than propping up a costly artefact that cannot be utilised properly and which does not provide necessary facilities. Times have changed and we should be practical and prudent so I suggest that the town council should rethink the scheme suggested some years ago.

Go downhill to Le Molay-Littry Way and choose some territory there upon which to build their centre. It may cost more than £750,000 in total but at least a reasonable start could be made with that amount of money, while the balance required could be found over a period of time.

You never know but they may be thanked for their foresight by celebration a little nearer than 750 years hence.MORE LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION