I REFER to the letter from Mr B L Ward published in the 'Post' on March 12.  As stated, the letter is a copy of one sent to the Town Council but makes no mention of the response made to it the following day by the Town Clerk, a reply that I re-produce below.

"Thank you for your letter of March 4 concerning the proposed refurbishment of Launceston Town Hall and other matters.

The new coach park, with space for three coaches was built in the shell of the old fire station.  It is true that the walls need painting but I do feel that the area is far from being a concrete monstrosity. Landscaping and planting have been undertaken and the area is tended by the council's staff. We have spoken to the contractors about the cracked lining and this will be redone shortly. We will be painting the walls in the spring, once the weather is drier. After that I believe the Rotary are planning to involve some student in producing a mural for the walls, which should liven it up a bit.

Your points in respect of the buttermarket are very valid and I will pass your comments onto the organisers.

We are in the early stages of planning the refurbishment of the Town Hall so exact costs are not known but it is likely to be a major project with significant costs. The Town Hall has been rather neglected over the past several years and is badly in need of attention. The heating systems are very inefficient and very expensive to run. We have a large commercial kitchen area which is never used, difficult disabled access and toilet provision, inadequate male and female toilet facilities and an empty flat. The stage area is run-down, the chairs uncomfortable and the tables well past their best. The electrics and plumbing are just about acceptable. We have no hot water supply anywhere other than from small individual heaters.

The Town Hall should be a focus for community life in Launceston and the Council believes that refurbishment will make it an attractive, comfortable and safe place for many more people to use and enjoy. We hope that people of all ages and interests will use the Town Hall and this will of course include our young people. You mention in your first paragraph that you feel the stature of Launceston is not what it was, we believe that a refurbished Town Hall will benefit the town in many ways. It will be a building people can be proud of, and one which people will want to use. If people come for weddings, dinners, dances and parties they will need to stay in local accommodation and will spend money in local shops and cafes.  The benefits to the local economy could be considerable.

The funding for the project will come from reserves, from grants and from a loan from the Public Works Loan Board. This means that part of the funding will come from previous precept payments and part from future ones, spreading the load. The Council also has income from car park and other properties, so these income streams will also support the project. We anticipate getting a very favourable rate from PWLB. Once the Town Hall is refurbished we anticipate increased revenues from room hirings and events to offset the repayment costs.

The most recent consultation took place in 2003 and the results are part of the Community Strategic Plan published by the Launceston Forum in 2004. The Town Hall was identified as a prominent and important facility in the town, and one which should be developed to become a major central community facility and venue.

We know from discussions with present users, and potential users that making the Town Hall attractive, warm and comfortable, with up to date facilities, would be widely welcomed."

This response then concluded by providing my personal telephone number to allow Mr Ward to discuss any aspect of the matter he desired. To date he has not done so.

Cllr and chairman of the Town Council's Town Hall Feasibility Committee.

Launceston.