A GRANT for several thousand pounds to install LED lights at The Wharf was ratified at a meeting of the full Tavistock Town council last week — despite opposition from some members.

After much debate, a contribution of £8,500 was recommended for approval at the council's finance and general purposes committee, which was due to be ratified at the full council meeting last week. However, at the full meeting Councillor John Sheldon voiced his concerns for giving such a large amount to what seemed to be a private company.

He said: 'In my view, although the centre is for the community, it is an entertainment venue where people have to pay to attend. It is a private limited company, which says it is not for profit but runs on commercial activity.

'Many companies put money back into their business. I don't see the total connection with the community.

'This will be the largest amount since 2011 that the council has given out. There have been other organisations that more obviously benefit the community, that we have reduced the amount asked for.'

Cllr Sheldon proposed to offer a reduced amount of £3,000.

Cllr Anne Johnson disagreed. She said: 'It is a very busy community arts centre. It is non-profit making. Although there are some people who are paid, there are an enormous number of volunteers. It is run on a shoe string for what it produces.'

Some councillors were concerned that they would be giving a large amount, when The Wharf had applied for a number of grants previously totalling £60,000.

Cllr Mandy Ewings said: 'Yes they put in their application that they had applied for £60,000 worth of grants, but that doesn't mean that they actually got all that money.

'Some events at The Wharf are only a nominal charge like the afternoon and teatime talks. There are a large amount of older people who go to these as they are affordable and the venue is on level ground so they can get to it easily. I truly believe we should be supporting it.'

Cllr John Sellis said that £8,500 did not stretch very far these days, and Cllr Colin Rogers was keen to support it for its efforts in trying to reduce its carbon footprint.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said that the Theatre Royal was supported by Plymouth City Council yet still seemed to struggle to survive without public grants.

He said: 'I see where they are coming from. I wouldn't be keen to subsidise The Wharf too often but to enhance its features, I do support it.'

Mayor Harry Smith said: 'I'm impressed by the varied programmes at The Wharf.

'I have been there on several occasions and think it benefits the town on a wide spectrum. With the new lighting, it will reduce the wastage by 80 per cent.

'We are treating this as a one-off. For the town at this point in time, I think it is a good thing for us to support.'

The majority of members voted against reducing the grant to £3,000, and the vote to offer the full amount was granted with eleven votes in favour and four against.