I HAD the misfortune recently to attend my first Crediton Town Council meeting for some years.

This took place at the old Landscore School and I was appalled at the conditions under which the councillors and their clerk are expected to operate.

The door was left open, presumably to ensure adequate ventilation in these Covid times and there was no heating.

A lack of power points was a major problem in positioning electrical equipment and this contributed to a total failure of some technology.

Some brought hot water bottles and everyone kept their outdoor clothing on, some putting gloves back on part-way through the meeting in a vain attempt to keep warm. It did not help that the acoustics were awful.

The property has clearly been neglected for a number of years and I understand that the Town Council could be told to vacate by the landlord (Devon County Council) at any time.

Crediton is an important town with a great history, now expanding its operation mainly to compensate for the District and County Councils doing less.

What was thought to be the Town Council’s permanent accommodation at the historic Market Street premises was cruelly sold by the District Council cabinet a few years ago.

This is the property from which our Town Council should operate, where it has roots and permanence so that the accommodation is adequate and all facilities are always in place.

We have the dictatorship at Mid Devon District Council to thank for the current situation. What a disgrace!

David Nation

George Hill

Crediton