In a recent Cullompton Town Council meeting held on January 25, councillors debated the legality and necessity of a £25,000 contribution to the Heritage Action Zone Project, aimed at rejuvenating the historic town centre. The funding, initially agreed upon in principle by a prior council in 2019, had come under scrutiny due to the absence of a formal resolution and concerns over its legality.

The contribution intended for the Mid Devon District Council's ambitious scheme to revitalise Cullompton's town centre has been a subject of contention among council members. Doubts were raised about the formal agreement's existence, leading some councillors to request legal advice before proceeding with the payment.

Councillor Mike Thompson highlighted the issue, noting the lack of a resolution for the approval of the £25,000 payment, despite previous assurances and budget allocations for the project each year since 2019. Thompson's call for legal guidance, however, remained unanswered, casting uncertainty over the council's next steps.

Defending the payment, Town Clerk Dan Ledger urged the council to honour its commitment, emphasizing the council's yearly reaffirmation of the budget allocation for the project since the initial agreement. Ledger pointed out that the funds, already earmarked within the council's reserves, were expected by the Mid Devon District Council, which had issued an invoice in good faith.

Councillor Patricia Regarsoe expressed confusion regarding the project's scope, mistakenly associating it with a different initiative, while Councillor Phil James criticized the council's hesitancy, arguing that further delay in fulfilling the payment commitment reflected poorly on the council. James underscored the importance of adhering to previous budget decisions to maintain the council's credibility and support vital community development efforts.

The council's debate reflects the challenges in managing public funds and the importance of clear documentation and legal advice in decision-making processes. Despite the concerns raised, the emphasis remained on fulfilling commitments to projects that promise to enhance Cullompton's cultural heritage and community well-being. As the town looks to its historic centre's future, the resolution of this funding debate marks a crucial step toward realizing the aspirations of the Heritage Action Zone Project.