Brian Parker, chairman of Trustees, Dartmouth Museum, writes:

I can sympathise with the chairman of finance's embarrassment over the extra £25,000 for the controversial Butterwalk flat renovation, as it should have been foreseen at some time during the year and more that the project was under consideration.

I can also understand Cllr Francis Hawke's attempts at damage limitation but his reported statement that much of the fire prevention and protection work on the flat would need to be done however the flat was used is misleading. 

My information from the relevant authority is that, had the flat been let for commercial use, such as by the museum, the inspection would not have been necessary and the additional fire protection measures consequent upon domestic use would not have been needed. 

The question of revamping the fire measures for the whole of the Butterwalk, following on from the experience of the Fairfax fire is a different matter.

It is to be hoped that further unseen problems do not arise for this contentious project.  But it is more than just misspent money.

I agree with Cllr Robin Springett. 

He is reported to be 'frightened witless about the intrusive works taking place on a Grade 1-listed building'. 

Absolutely right, what are we doing to this 17th Century treasure?