STAY put was the decision reached by Tavistock Town Council this week, finally committing itself to retain its offices and chamber in Drake Road.

In a narrow vote at a two-hour extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, members agreed to carry out an expensive redevelopment of the antiquated Drake Road offices, to comply with new fire and disabled access regulations.

But a decision was not reached until after Cllr Ted Sherrell walked out of the meeting threatening to resign from the council.

The long-serving councillor said he had become frustrated with the 'indecisive and vacillating' nature of the debate.

He later reconsidered his decision to step down.

Cllr John Wright wished to stay in Drake Road, and said the council would lose revenue from potential tenants at other premises if it failed to make a decision.

'A further deferral this time would undermine the financial position of the council and the credibility of the council with the people of Tavistock as a decision-making force,' he said.

Cllr Roger Mathew said to move from Drake Road would jeopardise the vision and future of Tavistock.

Cllr Judith Williams also supported the proposal not to move to new offices.

She said selling Drake Road would be 'like selling the family silver'.

Cllr Roy Connolly's motion to adjourn proceedings yet again, and hold an informal discussion at a later date, as originally resolved at last week's meeting, failed.

Supporters of the present Drake Road site said the development needed on the building could be undertaken in phases.

They said the total cost would not be more than £210,000 and would be spread considerably if essential revamps were carried out at first.

Opponents said the money could be better spent on other projects in Tavistock.

The long-running dispute was finally resolved by the passing of a proposition to stay in Drake Road, ruling out alternative locations for the forseeable future, by 7-5 votes and 1 abstention.

Last Tuesday's full council meeting ended in stalemate between the group of councillors who wanted to stay in Drake Road and those who favoured various other options.