THE posting of a For Sale board on the Town Council premises should, on the face of it, raise considerable local alarm.

We have become used to the closure of buildings and cuts in local services - but not necessarily at the heart of local government itself, where democratic decisions and actual administration take place.

However this is Crediton, home to Crediton Town Council - and what we familiarly call the Town Council building is actually the property of Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) – whose base is in Tiverton.

Crediton Town Council is a “mere tenant” of MDDC, which used to run an office from the building but recently withdrew its services (to considerable local dismay).

Crediton Town Council and MDDC are quite different organisations, with separate functions. While we have 12 local people serving as local Town Councillors, unfortunately Crediton’s four District Councillors can only exert a small influence on decisions made by the 42-strong District Council (in Tiverton).

Historically there does appear to be some antipathy between the two elected bodies, and it is often asserted that Crediton is less favoured for investment by MDDC than the two other urban centres, of Cullompton and Tiverton itself.

Let us hope that any such friction is not behind MDDC’s intention to savage local government in Crediton. To go so far as evicting Crediton’s seat of local democracy would be an unforgiveable action.

It might be argued that the Town Council can find alternative premises. In the case of an ineffective organisation or a poorly located building, there might be some sympathy with such a suggestion. But Crediton Town Council has, for the last few years, been a model of good practice.

Furthermore, the building – now offered for sale – could not be more ideally located for the carrying-out of local administration.

It is in the very centre of the town, it is easily found and accessed, and overlooks the Town Square, the focal point of so much public activity (now administered by the Town Council).

More important, though, is the role that Crediton Town Council plays – and the real threat to carrying out its functions that the closure of its premises might precipitate.

Within its modest budget raised from local Council Taxes, Crediton Town Council has an excellent record in working with local partner organisations (such as the Rotary Clubs, the “Crediton Courier”, the Arts Centre, Sustainable Crediton, the Town Team, the churches and many more) to deliver events that create a sense of well-being and community. It is a fine example of local democracy at community level.

Through effective distribution of funding to the grass-roots, smaller organisations have been supported in a range of educational and cultural activities, and voluntary groups are engaged to carry out environmental projects - keeping Crediton clean, tidy and in some places, beautifully planted.

Less visible, but equally vital, is the careful attention councillors give to monitoring and making representations on planning and other issues. The Town Councillors must be congratulated for supporting so many events and initiatives – and for carrying out much selfless and dreary work on our behalf.

But special praise should also be given to the Town Clerk and her energetic staff colleagues. They are available five days a week – willing to be interrupted and consulted while carrying out their routine work, but also prepared to get out, put on high-vis jackets and engage directly with the community – an admirable quality in public servants! This was most spectacularly evident last Saturday.

The experience of the Town Square, packed with people for the switching on of Christmas lights, demonstrated how a team of volunteers can transform a simple task into a great family and community celebration. This is just one of a number of seasonal events whose success reflects co-operation and general helpfulness at the centre of local government. Without the Town Council personnel co-ordinating the event, these things would not take place.

But one must not underestimate the physical location of the building, in the heart of the town – which underpins the Town Council’s ability to make things happen.

If MDDC is indeed determined to dispose of this property, apparently a case can be made for the building to be sold to Crediton Town Council at a greatly reduced price. Let us hope so. (I understand that Tiverton Town Council was faced with a similar situation and were permitted to purchase their own offices at 50 per cent below market price).

Better still, of course, would be for MDDC to recognise the very valuable work carried out by Crediton Town Council – and leave well alone.

Paul Vincent

Western Road

Crediton