THE controversial decision by the Conservative-controlled Mid Devon District Council to proceed with the sale of the Council Offices it owns in Crediton to a commercial buyer rather than Crediton Town Council has taken another twist.

One of the few Conservative Crediton Town Councillors has formally resigned from the Conservative Party due to the decision by her former Conservative colleagues on Mid Devon District Council.

Anne Hughes told the "Courier": "Following recent events in Crediton regarding the sale of the Council Offices and the lack of support from a section of Mid Devon District Councils ruling party, it is with a heavy heart that I have formally resigned from the Conservative Party.

"This is the only way that I can register my protest to the way that Mid Devon District Council has torn at the heart of our town.

"The residents deserve not to be treated this way.

"By resigning from the Party I hope that this will show that I support and will continue to work for the good of the people."

It was Mid Devon District Councillor Ray Stanley who proposed that the Crediton Offices were NOT to be sold to Crediton Town Council, backed by the Leader of Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Clive Eginton.

Local district councillor Mrs Margaret Squires asked that her abstention be recorded at the meeting, therefore also not backing Crediton Town Council.

A group of local residents have written to begin the process of a formal complaint to MDDC regarding the proposed sale of the building to a commercial buyer.

The group said they feel they have suffered adverse discrimination by MDDC in the light of the fact that it sold Tiverton Town Council its offices but denied the same advantage to Crediton.

The residents are encouraging anyone else who also disagrees with the proposed sale to write to Mr Stephen Walford, Chief Executive, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton EX16 6PP.

Alternatively, email: [email protected] .

The group, if failing to achieve a satisfactory response from MDDC says it will then go to the Local Ombudsman.

The Crediton building currently accommodates Crediton Town Council offices and meetings, Crediton Hamlets Parish Council meetings, Citizens Advice Office, Community Transport Office, Churches Housing Action Team Outreach surgeries, Devon In Sight events, Devon County Council Highways surgeries, Devon County Council Child in Care meetings, Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation English classes and support services, Crediton Town Team meetings, Crediton Chamber of Commerce meetings, Stanbury Court residents meetings and numerous training and consultation events.

The building also supports events on the Town Square by providing essential secure and covered space e.g. changing facilities for plays, storage of equipment, acts as a First Aid point, central marshalling/steward point for the dissemination of information and equipment.• Why not share your views about the proposed sale with fellow "Courier" readers. Write a letter to: The Editorial Manager, "Crediton Courier", 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

Please include your name, address and a daytime telephone number, not necessarily for publication.

Alternatively, email your letter to: [email protected] .