‘It is now or never’

He may have previously been a sceptic of the proposed Honiton Community Centre, but district councillor Phil Twiss says: “It is reasonably clear that I’m now in favour of this project going ahead.”

Addressing a meeting of East Devon District Council’s Cabinet, he explained: “Quite simply, it is now or never.

“I am confident the silent majority will use the centre once it is built.”

But he added: “Fund-raising has been pitiful. Of the �106,000 needed, just �5,000 has been raised.

“My concern is how that is going to be addressed before this goes ahead.

“I would not want to see Honiton Town Council coming back in a few years and asking for a subsidy because it is not paying its way.”

Councillor Twiss asked for a clause to be included in any agreement between the two councils that would stipulate no district council cash could be used for running costs.

Councillor Roger Boote said: “I am grateful for all the work done by the district council.

“The conclusions reached in the recommendations are fair.”

Culture Champion Councillor John O’Leary said he had taken a close interest in the project. “The town council has taken a dream nearer to reality,” he said.

He outlined the support given by the district council and urged cabinet members to continue to support the scheme.

Extended coverage in The Herald’s Honiton edition.