THE Guildhall and former police station is a Victorian building which is in a sad state of repair. It has enormous maintenance liabilities. When the police moved out three years ago it apparently was of no interest to our local authorities, nor anyone else. Eventually it was sold to Devon Historic Buildings Trust for a very nominal sum, believed to be £10. Today the complex for some inexplicable reason is up for sale at a commercial value. There are even grandiose plans by a working party which includes our council to buy the buildings to create new council offices, a Mining World Heritage 'gateway', a theatre centre and a visitor centre — despite recently having closed our Tourist Information Centre. As a ratepayer, I ask do we really need these costly new facilities? The town council has perfectly good offices in Drake Road. Our museum more than adequately markets the Mining World Heritage theme, and is recognised by them as their Eastern Gateway. The Wharf provides excellent theatre facilities, having recently invested into digital technology. Yes, I believe that the Guildhall should be restored, but in the present climate of so many cut-backs in essential services, I think that it is the wrong time to commit to such a financial project. There would be considerable ongoing maintenance costs, insurances, and paid staff would be required. Better the council's money be spent in support of our community services which are currently under threat. Why not use your expertise to encourage a commercial organisation, under strict conditions, to purchase and restore the Guildhall? Achieve that and I am sure that the reward would be seen in the next council elections. T Kerswill Russell Court Gardens Tavistock