EVERY avenue was explored before Honiton Town Council decided to proceed with plans for a community centre on the site of a long stay car park.

EVERY avenue was explored before Honiton Town Council decided to proceed with plans for a community centre on the site of a long stay car park.

That is what councillors told concerned residents during the annual meeting of electors, held on Monday night.

Orchard Way resident Maurice Gray asked why the council had not looked at returning to the Pannier Market or extending the Mackarness Hall.

It was pointed out the council did investigate a return to the Pannier Market, now The Bed Expert, but that access issues and extensive costs prohibited such a move.

Councillor Vernon Whitlock, chairman of the council's policy committee, pointed out �1 million has been secured towards the cost of the centre - but on the proviso it is built on the site earmarked by East Devon District Council, the long stay car park behind Lace Walk.

If the centre is not built on that site, he said the money would be lost to Honiton.