Melanie Hughes-Jones, of Victoria Road, Dartmouth, writes:

I was disappointed to read that members of Dartmouth Town Council still wish to sell off the Guildhall.

It is a unique venue, offering a special space that is not available elsewhere.

The argument that it needs money spending on it is undoubtedly true. Of course it needs maintaining, all buildings need constant attention.

When was the last time it was refurbished, compared with the rest of the town's assets?

I suggest that it has been sadly neglected and allowed to fall into its present sorry state; which has made it a less attractive proposition to hire.

The Butterwalk almost ended up being demolished due to lack of foresight, we must make sure the same thing doesn't happen to the Guildhall.

The negative publicity surrounding it, with comments like Cllr Robin Springett's, that 'it is a creaking, decrepit Victorian building', also the myth that the kitchen is no longer functioning and that the building is about to disappear, all conspire to make sure no one would want hire it.

It is unreasonable to say that the Guildhall should cover its costs, we don't expect that of other publicly owned building and spaces like Mayor's Avenue Gardens, the public library, or the community orchard, to name just a few.

The Guildhall is used regularly by the Film Society and is one of the prime venues for the Dart Music Festival.

Recently the Film Society held a party. About 60 people attended. They were all fed hot food from the kitchen, made comfortable with the incredibly efficient directional heaters, watched a film and enjoyed the bar.

Where else is there that boasts a large, atmospheric space – with a Proscemium arched ceiling, a large kitchen, a bar, a stage with dressing rooms and a sprung dance floor, all under the same roof? Even our wonderful Flavel Centre cannot offer all this!

Perhaps the town council could look into the possibility of grants.

Maybe consider selling off another property to raise money, or could plans be drawn up to either redesign the ground floor for renting or selling as office space, a shop or housing?

What about reworking the enormous space upstairs to accommodate some of the existing layout and some new scheme so it can become more commercially appealing, for example as a conference space, wedding venue or for private parties etc?

Parking is a problem but it is for every business in town – the park and ride option could be made to work.

There is so much potential scope for change. It will take some imagination and willingness not let this wonderful large and irreplaceable building be lost to our community.

Let's hope the right thing is done now that it is crunch time.