I WENT to the protest outside the Council Offices in Market Street on Thursday, August 9, because I wanted to support the Town Council.

The staff work so hard for the town, especially since Clare Dalley and the current Mayor, Cllr Frank Letch have been on board and I am worried that this work will be hampered if they lose the building.

As an Arts Centre committee member I have been involved in the Christmas celebrations, the town flag project and as a gardener, the Open Spaces group during the last five years and all these have been facilitated (though not all initiated) by the Town Council.

I know the Town Council cannot complain directly to the Local Government ombudsmen and it is up to those affected to take the case to that office, but I don’t think people of Crediton realise what they are on the verge of losing if they don’t stand up and be counted.

From what I have read, the building originally belonged to (and was paid for by) the town but was absorbed into Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) on its inception.

Since then, it seems, Crediton has played second fiddle to Tiverton, to its huge disadvantage.

Now MDDC is disposing of assets, it allows Tiverton Town Council to buy its offices at half market rate, but retains the right to sell ours at full market cost to developers, making a quick buck (again) at Crediton’s expense.

It’s a no brainer!

The Town Council offices are central, accessible and iconic, providing space for many low profile groups such as Community Transport and Citizens Advice.

On top of this, many groups use it to meet, it has been used to showcase planning applications that affect the town, as a prestigious venue to give awards to local organisations, is essential for coordinating stewarding town events and as a green room for performances in the Square. It also houses the electricity supply for the Square and every thing that happens there.

The building is part of the town’s identity and a vital home to all our civic activity. Crediton is a vibrant town in its own right, not a resource to be exploited by MDDC. It’s a shame more people don’t understand why we need to retain this building and make a fuss.

Crediton and its hard working folk deserve an equal deal to Tiverton and should be given the chance to buy the building back at half the market rate as an investment for the future of our town.

Yvonne Crone

Crediton