‘Marvellous’ community asset for Seaton

Seaton Town Council is to buy the former Marshlands day care centre for a bargain £86,000.

Members unanimously agreed to purchase the Harbour Road building as a base for a wide range of community and commercial activities.

Amongst ideas for its use are to provide day care, educational and art facilities, room hire, youth facilities, catering opportunities, office space and a licensed ceremonies room.

Councillors stress that the purchase cost will be met from the authority’s general reserves, and will not affect residents’ council tax bills.

As district and county councils look to devolve assets to the lowest tier of government, Seaton Town Council says it is committed to securing assets for the benefit of the community.

Mayor Tony Woodman said: “I am thrilled that the council has decided to purchase the Marshlands building. After the Willoughby House debacle some years ago, and the failure to acquire the St Clare’s premises, current town councillors see this as a magnificent asset for Seaton, and we got it at a greatly reduced price.

“It is a building that offers a host of possibilities and I hope the people of Seaton will get behind the council and help make it a real community centre.

“We will be able to offer many opportunities for all sections of the community.

“If residents give the go-ahead to also take on the Town Hall it will mean that Seaton finally has some fantastic buildings of its own. The referendum on taking over the Town Hall will be held shortly and town councillors are currently making sure that residents get the full and accurate facts before voting.”

Jim Knight, Devon county councillor for Seaton Coastal, said: “As the county councillor for Seaton Coastal, I am delighted to see Seaton Town Council taking on a Devon county asset that will give the town a building that will meet the needs of the community in many aspects.

“I congratulate the town council in having the foresight to acquire this marvellous asset for the town.”