A NEW council owned works unit will prove a 'tremendous asset' for Bude and Stratton's electors, according to mayor Frank Partridge. The unit, on Kings Hill Industrial Estate, was opened last October. Purpose-built, it is a major improvement on the premises previously rented by the council, and offers more space for staff, with dedicated facilities and leeway for expansion. It includes a shower and cleaning room, manager's office, staff room, a fully equipped kitchen, ample storage space and a large workshop area. The land purchase was financed by a Public Works Loan Board loan — available to local authorities for capital projects — of £110,000, with a loan period of ten years at an interest rate of 2.17% fixed for the entire term of the loan. The unit was financed the same way, with £250,000 borrowed at a fixed rate of 1.98%, to be paid back over ten years. Cllr Partridge said: "It's a valuable and terrific asset for Bude. In the long term, it makes complete economic sense. It's a tremendous asset for the electors." For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post