THE town hall in Okehampton should be vacated by the town council and restored in the style of a private 17th century residence as a tourist attraction, suggests a local resident.
David Terry, of Klondyke House, said the building was 'the jewel in the crown of Okehampton, probably alongside the White Hart'.
The stone building was erected in 1685 by John Northmore as a private dwelling.
In 1740 it was purchased by John Luxmoore, MP, who used it as his town house.
It remained in the possession of the Luxmoore family until the middle of the 19th century when it was converted into the town hall, local assize court and public reading room.
Mr Terry said: 'It seems to me that a building of such importance is totally under-utilised.
'It houses the fire officer and town clerk and for one evening a month the town council uses the council chamber. Also it is used for some committee meetings and civic functions,' he said.
'It could be a major tourist attraction in the town if part of the building was restored in the style of its former use as the home of John Northmore in 1685.
'The council chamber would be ideally suited for the exhibition of art and craft.'
Mr Terry thought the Museum of Dartmoor Life might be interested in the project.
He accepted the problem was finding alternative accommodation for the town council and town clerk.
Mr Terry, who is vice-chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council but stressed he was speaking as a resident, added: 'I accept this is controversial and don't want to offend the town council but it is an idea worthy of exploration.'
Town Mayor Len Hayward commented: 'My response to the idea is that it is so imaginative and so surprising that I am lost for words.
Mr Hayward continued: 'The town council is well aware of the historic background of the town hall and has already, in its minutes, indicated at some future occasion the hall will be opened up not only for persons to see the historic aspects but also some of the artefacts currently stored and rarely seen.'