THE future of Ashburton town hall is still up in the air despite ongoing negotiations between the town's council and Teignbridge district council.
A surveyor has now been drafted in by the town council to make a valuation of the historic property. He will then make a report to the town council on his conclusions. The council will then make up its mind about their next step – make a bid to buy the building – carry on as Teignbridge's tenants or move out.
A spokesman for the town hall owners, Teignbridge council, said the situation needed clarifying. But John Germon, Ashburton town clerk, said the process was ongoing.
He said: 'One of the biggest problems is what the town council can afford in repayments. The cost would eventually fall to residents and the council has to seriously consider that. All avenues of finance must be looked at. That is why the council is taking professional advice.
'Teignbridge district council has proposed placing a covenant on the building to ensure it remains a town hall if they sell it. But as soon as the council receives the surveyor's estimate the council will be able to negotiate further with Teignbridge.'
The current situation needed regularising, according to Denise Marchant, Teignbridge Council's property services manager. She said: 'Ashburton is the only town council within Teignbridge that doesn't own the building it operates from. The town council is looking at its options. Whether they want to buy it, occupy it as tenants or leave altogether. But there is no question of the council being evicted.
'That is not the purpose of this at all. We just want to put the whole thing on a more business-like footing. Hopefully, that will happen.'