COUNCILLORS have expressed their support to any attempts by interested parties to buy the Longboat Caf� shelter - if such a move would safeguard its continued availability for the community.

Budleigh Town Council, at a meeting held on Monday, June 28, discussed how it should respond to any effort made to buy the shelter.

It also agreed the council may consider making a contribution to the fund.

Mayor Tom Wright said: “We would strongly support any move by interested parties to buy the shelter in order to preserve the facility for the people of the town, especially the access it offers to the less mobile.”

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said last week that the local authority was aware of an expression of interest in the shelter from solicitors representing a third party.

He said the interest had been noted pending any possible future disposal of the asset.

“It is correct that the shelter and viewing platform form part of the development site for this proposal and that, for the new build to go ahead, these buildings would need to be acquired by the applicant.

“The council, as opposed to the planning authority, has, as yet, not considered whether or not it would wish to dispose of these buildings.

“We are aware of an expression of interest in the site from solicitors representing a third party and this interest has been noted, pending any possible future disposal of these assets.”

EDDC has also confirmed that the decision notice to redevelop the Longboat Caf� will not be issued until English Heritage has decided whether it should be granted listed building status.

It is understood news of the delay has come as a welcome boost among campaigners who objected to the application.

The proposals will see the existing wooden caf� replaced with a new, taller building, incorporating a large restaurant with a glazed front, giving panoramic views across Budleigh beach and Lyme Bay.

In last week’s Journal, Helen Tickle was quoted speaking about the shelter at a recent town council meeting. We would like to point out she was speaking in the capacity of a resident.