A COUNCIL at the centre of controversy which is set to see a town’s shop and post office sold, has opted to stay silent despite backlash.

Since the announcement that Bude-Stratton Town Council planned to sell 1 Lords Court, the home of Stratton Stores, only three years after the property was purchased in the hope of securing its future, the council has been the target of much criticism.

Stratton residents have said the decision is an indicator of the council’s interest lying solely in Bude.

A local business owner said: “Residents of Stratton feel that Bude-Stratton Town Council (BSTC) are not interested in Stratton and its residents and whilst our precept is paid and used by BSTC, barely any of the precept from the Stratton ward is used for Stratton itself.

“It seems that all the council tax precept gathered from Stratton is largely only used for Bude issues and our voices and concerns feel entirely ignored. Stratton residents have attended BSTC meetings only to be laughed at by a particular councillor, who shall remain nameless at this time.”

The decision has even prompted two councillors to come forward and speak out on the matter, with one accusing the council of ‘misusing’ protocol in an effort to ‘avoid public scrutiny’.

In a statement, Cllr Tom O’Sullivan said there has been ‘a complete lack of transparency’ throughout the process.

He said: “As regards the way BSTC has handled issues relating to Lords Court, I'd have to say there's been a complete lack of transparency and claims of 'confidentiality constraints' have, in my opinion been misused to avoid public scrutiny and accountability.”

However, despite ongoing scrutiny, the council has opted not to comment.

A BSTC spokesperson said: “As set out in our statement following the Extraordinary Full Council Meeting, the sale of 1 Lords Court remains subject to completion of the legal process.

”While that process is ongoing, the council does not intend to comment further on matters relating to the sale.”