Thanks to county Cllr Jerry Brook, Chudleigh war memorial railings will get a revamp.

Through his community fund pot, he offered Chudleigh Town Council a sum of around £3,500 to pay for the project.

Councillors heard that almost £2,000 will be spent on painting the railings and around £1,000 will go towards new benches in the town.

It was suggested that the tops of the railing were painted gold and the majority agreed.

'It's an extremely nice idea,' said Cllr Martin Kiddle.

John Carlton, town clerk, said an Exeter contractor would complete the work.

New councillors Mary Anne McFarlane and Peter Beale both said that they would hope that the council uses contractors in the town as much as it can.

Mr Carlton assured them that when any work needed to be done it was sourced locally when feasible.

p It was agreed that former town councillor Kevin Pullen would be coopted on to the council, to fill one of three vacancies.

Cllr Stephen Evans said that there is no hurry to fill the other two posts and it should take stock after the summer.

'We shouldn't be too hasty,' he said.

Mr Pullen did not stand in the town elections.

p Mr Carlton said that now every time a volunteer undertakes work on behalf of the council a risk assessment will have to be carried out.

Cllr Beale, who has experience with risk assessments, agreed that this was the case.

Mr Carlton said they hoped to have a template to help speed up the process.