FURIOUS town councillors last week vowed to fight a refusal to consider use of Tavistock Town Hall as a polling station in future local and national elections.
The returning officer for West Devon Borough, council chief executive David Incoll, has insisted Tavistock Pannier Market be used for elections, despite the fact it costs the council and traders hundreds of pounds in lost income.
But members at last week?s meeting of the full council agreed unanimously they would not take no for an answer.
Cllr Alison Clish-Green said: ?I am very disappointed at the borough?s stance on this. There were other venues suggested, like the parish rooms ? which the vicar was perfectly happy about ? and also the Alexander Centre is worth looking at. I think we should pursue this.?
Cllr Norma Woodcock said asking the town council to close the pannier market for a day was comparable with asking two of the Duke Street traders to shut up shop so an election could take place.
?It?s just not a realistic option,? said Cllr Woodcock.
She suggested if space was a concern, the town?s north and south wards could be split, using the parish rooms and the United Reformed Church hall, both of which were accessible to the disabled.
Cllr Jane Ramsey said: ?I find Mr Incoll?s reply totally unacceptable. They are quick enough to come to us when they want money, but not so quick to respond to our requests ? it should be a two-way street.?
Cllr Ted Sherrell said he believed as returning officer, Mr Incoll was ?virtually autonomous? and was not acting as the voice of the council.
?He and he alone can say what?s suitable and what?s not ? it?s not exactly democratic,? he said.
Cllr Brian Trew said a situation in which elected members of the town were over-ruled by an un-elected council official was ?most undemocratic?.
The council agreed the town clerk should request detailed reasons why the town hall was considered unacceptable. Col Howard would also seek the opinion of experts on the matter.
He said: ?Unfortunately, it?s a hugely complicated subject. There are twelve acts of parliament concerned with representation of the people ? these are backed up with numerous home secretary?s advice notes.?
Borough chief executive David Incoll last month told the council the pannier market was the most suitable place to hold elections, given its size and accessibility and the growing number of voters in the town.