IT HAS been back and forth for some time as to whether a bus shelter in Holsworthy will receive much-needed repairs, writes Zoë Uglow.

The Holsworthy Library (Stop A) bus shelter on North Road has been in need of a spruce up for some time.

Torridge District Council recently obtained the tenders for the shelter and adjoining toilets taking on responsibility for any works necessary.

Pupils from Holsworthy Community College previously painted a mural inside the shelter but it has become worn with age.

The council were keen for the school to re-do the mural but district council officers have warned against this following safety concerns.

During a full town council meeting on Wednesday, June 7, councillors discussed the situation and whether there was action they could take.

Town clerk Vanessa Saunders said: “Torridge obtained the tenders to carry out the work but workers found asbestos in a bit of the shelter and that has caused a delay while further assessments are carried out. We suggested a team of volunteers could take on the work but that was turned down.”

Mayor Jon Hutchings said: “Basically they [Torridge] said they would fix it but now they won’t. This has been going back and forth for ages now, we need to find a solution soon!”

Ms Saunders said that one of the workers had previously expressed a positive attitude towards completing the works but was overruled.

Cllr Hutchings added: “I will harass them at the next mayor and clerks’ meeting.”

After the meeting Adrian Redwood, property and procurement manager for Torridge District Council, explained that the asbestos situation is being dealt with and that work will be completed as part of a larger scheme for the council’s Manor Offices.

He said: “The bus shelter and public toilets do contain a small amount of asbestos, but this is known and is being managed as part of the works.

“The council have obtained tenders for the works to the bus shelter as part of a larger scheme for the Manor Offices to maximise best value.”

Speaking about the town council’s suggestion that volunteers could help complete the work, Mr Redwood said: ”The town council had raised the idea that some of the work might be undertaken by volunteers.

“However the recommendation is for the work not to be undertaken by a volunteer team which was based on the risks involved in working in this location — a live bus stop on a busy main road — and the particular specialist care that will be required when re-decorating the existing mural within the shelter.”