Seaton Town Council could buy closed pub

SEATON Town Council is considering buying Winstons pub as a possible youth centre and asset for the town.

SEATON Town Council is considering buying Winstons pub as a possible youth centre and asset for the town.

Councillors Pepita Collins and John Meakin visited the site, in Harbour Road, and gave an update during the monthly council meeting on Monday.

The move comes after the Willoughby House controversy, when the vendor pulled out of the sale following public opposition.

The council proposes to hold a town meeting to discuss the issue before making a decision.

Cllr Collins said: "We are looking at the property, not just for the youth, as we don't know if they want it, but as a possible asset for the town."

She said that Devon County Council had not opposed the move and the police were in favour of it, because they needed community space.

She added Wetherspoons were no longer interested in the building, because it would cost too much to develop it to suit their style.

Cllr John Meakin said the site had potential. He said: "I think it could generate income for this council."

Mayor Sandra Semple reiterated that the council had not reached a decision.

She said: "I've had my fingers burned on a similar project like this and I'm staying very neutral on what happens next."

But she said they may lose the opportunity because of the slow process involved in putting the proposal forward.

Town clerk David Mears told councillors the project would be expensive, with legal and consultation fees to be accounted for.