Despite oppositions from some residents, holding the public meeting to discuss a health and wellbeing centre in St Saviour’s church will provide a “good opportunity to hold the Trust to account”.

Some residents have raised concerns over the suitability of holding a public meeting in a church. These people are concerned whether residents will feel comfortable having a heated discussion in a place of worship.

In addition, some residents have expressed their reluctance to attend the meeting for fear of the church bringing back memories of recent funerals and other events at the church.

However, county councillor Jonathan Hawkins who has helped organise the meeting said Revd Will Hazlewood “kindly offered” the church as a location for the public meeting scheduled for Monday, May 14. The Guildhall can only hold around 160 people, explained Cllr Hawkins, so the decision was made to accept the kind offer.

“Due to the amount of concerns about the health and wellbeing centre in Dartmouth, it was felt that the biggest venue available should be chosen” he added.

“If people are not happy with this decision and do not wish to attend, they can provide us with questions that we can ask the Trust.”

Cllr Hawkins said a group are planning to meet frequently before the public discussion to talk about the format of the meeting and invite anyone interested to attend and offer suggestions.

“Anyone who wants to help is welcome to join us, the more help we can have the better.”

The Revd Will Hazlewood said “The church is a community resource for people to use and this is something the community feels passionate about.”

As the oldest community building in the town, the Revd Hazlewood said he hoped the church would be a good location for the community to come together. Originally, back in the middle ages the church was the place that people would have come together to talk and debate, explained the reverend.

“The church historically did play a part in the original hospital for Dartmouth and before there was more readily available health care, the church took it upon themselves to look after the sick and needy” he added.

All are welcome to attend the meeting, regardless of religious belief, explained Revd Hazlewood.

If anyone would like to submit a question for the meeting they can do so to Nick Hindmarsh or Jonathan Hawkins or via the collection points around the town.

Questions for the panel can be submitted to Pillars (newsagents), Dartmouth Caring, Old Market Cafe, Spar at Mayflower Close, Leisure Centre and Lidl by Tuesday, May 8. On the night, questions will also be allowed from the floor.

The public meeting will be taking place on Monday, May 14, at 7pm at St Saviours Church.