OKEHAMPTON Town Council has voted to keep the 60-year-old pavilion in Simmons Park after receiving letters and petitions in support of retaining the historic feature.

But the structure will only be retained if the cost to refurbish it is within £50,000.

West Devon Borough Council had planned to demolish the building, which provides refreshment facilities in the park, to make way for its proposed sports complex and swimming pool.

The town was given the option to retain it providing the structure was sound after objections to the move at a recent public meeting.

The borough council said the scheme could be revised in order for the pavilion to stay where it was or alternatively a refreshment area could be provided within the swimming pool building.

After a plea to local people to write to the mayor with their views, 34 letters were received in support of keeping the pavilion and a petition of 343 names, including 147 pupils from Okehampton Primary School. Two people wrote letters against keeping the structure.

In a letter read out to councillors, Okehampton resident and architectural consultant Richard Murrin said he was horrified that there were plans to demolish the building.

'Surely people realise that architecturally this building is of great historic interest — so much thought was put into its design and its strategic position,' he said.

'Buildings like this, although in need of renovation, should be preserved for future generations.'

He said many more recent buildings than the pavilion had been 'listed' and he was amazed something of such importance to the town could be lost at the stroke of a pen.

Local builder Eddie Hawkins said the pavilion was the focal point for all the activities taking place in the park and there was no justification for getting rid of it.

But resident Amanda Blackmore said she could not understand why anyone would want to keep such an unattractive building which was obviously in great need of repair.

'In my view £50,000 would be better spent on new sports facilities — for instance squash courts, a dance studio and changing facilities for the all weather pitches,' she said.

Her view was echoed by Cllr Michael Roberts who said the building was an 'eyesore' and he would rather see it knocked down and the facilities provided elsewhere.

A £50,000 estimate obtained by Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh for refurbishing the pavilion included repitching the roof, new windows, new toilets facilities and a changing room.

The majority of councillors agreed the pavilion was an important part of the recreational area and ideally placed to serve everyone using the park. It was also a venue for children's parties.

Okehampton Primary School teacher Ann Holland said there was a great sigh of disbelief in assembly when the children were told there was a possibility the pavilion may be knocked down.

She said the petition was made available in school for the children to sign if they wanted to and 147 of the 600 children chose to do so.