NIGEL Gillingham, of Moretonhampstead Road, Bovey Tracey, writes:

I was disappointed to read in the Advertiser that Bovey Tracey Town Council felt it necessary to discuss the future of the town hall in camera. The town hall is very much a community resource and should, at least initially, be treated as such, and consideration be given as to how this resource could be improved and made more accessible for all.

Bovey Tracey is a growing community which will continue to bring a new population to the town. It should be proud of a very active community with many organisations and clubs providing a range of interests for all.

I know for a fact that it is already becoming difficult for groups and societies to find venues for meetings etc. We have also recently lost The Riverside Inn, which many will know also had a good sized function room, although it has not been used in the recent past.

The town hall, therefore, is a civic amenity that should not be lost. When the council eventually vacate the building a considerable amount of space would become available for the town to use.

Of course it needs modernising and money needs to be spent to bring it up to a usable standard: money somehow can usually be found if the political will is there to look for it.

The town council does of course have a responsibility to gain value for money for the rate payer. The sale of the town hall would not only absolve them of any responsibility for the future of the hall, but also gain a financial boost towards the development costs of The Old Thatched Inn site. But that would be at a considerable loss to the town, and the facilities available to support the life of the town.

Democracy is like justice – it needs to be seen to be done.

The council needs to allow debate and discussion among the population and to decide whether a letter such as this is a lone voice crying in the wilderness, or indeed represents the feelings of a large proportion of local people who want the best facilities for their town, and to see it continue to be a good place to live.

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