OKEHAMPTON town councillors are considering putting a TV in the corner of an event to encourage public participation in local democracy – after it was pointed out that the day chosen was both the royal wedding and the FA Cup final.

The ‘Councils Together in Okehampton – Promoting Local Democracy’ event is being held in the Charter Hall from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, May 19.

At a recent meeting of Okehampton Town Council, outgoing mayor Jan Goffey said the coffee morning aimed to encourage people to serve as town and parish councillors.

‘The event has been suggested by Derek Moore of Sticklepath to promote grassroots democracy, because local councils have vacancies,’ she said.

However, Cllr Christine Marsh asked if Cllr Goffey had noticed the date, with two events guaranteed to have the public glued to their screens. ‘There’s the royal wedding and it’s a big match that day,’ she said.

Cllr Goffey replied that this had been the only date free for booking the Charter Hall.

‘That is the date we have got so that is the date we have got to work with. We can only do what we can do.’