Shelter redecoration criticised as a waste of money A BUDLEIGH Salterton resident has hit out at a move to spend taxpayers money repainting a seafront shelter, earmarked for demolition.

Shelter redecoration criticised as a 'waste of money'

A BUDLEIGH Salterton resident has hit out at a move to spend taxpayers' money repainting a seafront shelter, earmarked for demolition.

Ray Gallup has called for East Devon District Council to stop 'wasting' taxpayers' money painting the shelter next to the Longboat Caf�, which looks likely to be pulled down, if the proposed new restaurant is built.

The district council said it had carried out the work following a maintenance request from Budleigh Salterton Town Council.

It said redecoration and repairs to beachside shelters was part of a rolling programme of routine maintenance of seafront assets.

East Devon District Council said the Longboat shelter was in 'urgent' need of attention.

The council said Budleigh's west and east end beach huts were redecorated earlier in the year but, due to poor weather and other commitments, the Longboat shelter could not be started until mid-August.

An East Devon District Council spokesman said: "The timescales for the caf� redevelopment are currently unknown so, in the meantime, it is only right that the appearance of buildings on Budleigh seafront should be maintained at a reasonable standard."

Budleigh Salterton mayor councillor Courtney Richards said: "I would rather have a tidy and well-maintained shelter for the next six or twelve months.

"If they had been spending tens of thousands of pounds, I would have said, 'don't do it'."

Budleigh Salterton resident Ray Gallop said: "It reminds me of the old days when someone who was going to the gallows was allowed to have a wash and comb their hair.

"Can someone in authority please contact EDDC and tell them to stop wasting taxpayers' money."

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