CREDITON Town Council has announced that between now and November 17, it will be moving to new premises at 8A North Street.

The council says that it anticipates there may be some disruption in its service whilst communications are transferred and it would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience.

It says it will keep everyone up-to-date with what is happening and advises that people keep checking its website and social media pages.

The Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Frank Letch, who is the chairman of Crediton Town Council, took to social media on Monday, October 15, to say: “Stephen Walford, the CEO of Mid Devon District Council today messaged all MDDC members to say that contracts had been exchanged for the Crediton council office.”

Mr Letch added a tearful emoji to his comment.

Crediton Town Council had wanted to buy the Crediton council offices from its landlord, Mid Devon District Council, but this proved unsuccessful after MDDC’s Cabinet decided to sell the premises to a private buyer rather than Crediton Town Council.

Campaigns were launched by local residents who wanted to stop the sale to a private buyer, including protests outside the Crediton council offices and at Mid Devon District Council offices in Tiverton.

Representations were also made at various MDDC committee and full council meetings.

Crediton Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, said on social media on Tuesday: “Crediton Council office building has been sold.

“MDDC confirmed yesterday that contracts have been exchanged.

“The Town Council wishes to thank everyone who supported its attempts to buy the building and in so doing protect community services now and in the future.”

Mr Letch told the “Courier” on Tuesday: “Democracy has raised its ugly head.

“The three wise men of MDDC’s Cabinet have had their way and our wonderful council building has been sold to a commercial buyer who, it seems, intends to let the other charity groups remain.

“If he offers them the same deal he offered the Town Council, none of them will be able to afford to stay.