BUDE-STRATTON Town Council decided to extend the return date of the Higher Wharf survey at their latest monthly meeting, held on October 7.

The town council is undertaking a random survey of electors in Bude, Stratton and Poughill to gauge people's feelings about the site off Vicarage Road, and by extending the return date, they hope to gather a larger response from the community.

Returns are now being asked for by the end of October, so as to allow opinion to be measured at the council's November meeting.

Ownership of the site passed from North Cornwall Council to Cornwall Council — under the local government shake-up last year — and Cornwall Council intends to sell it.

The town council wants to see if people wish to see the site sold or would prefer the town council to buy it and keep it under local control.

Cllr Trevor Macey said he encourages people of the area to participate in the survey and have a say in the future of "one of the few canal sites left for local recreational and social activities" in Bude.

Mayor of Bude and Stratton, Cllr Peter Moores, added:?"I'd like to encourage honest responses, as the future of the area is in the balance."

Survey forms will be delivered to residences throughout Bude, Stratton and Poughill. Further forms are available at the Parkhouse Centre and online at http://www.bude-stratton.gov.uk">www.bude-stratton.gov.uk.