STRATTON residents are set for further frustration following a decision to defer a meeting confirming the future of the town’s post office and community shop.

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.

Following the announcement of an extraordinary council meeting to be held on Monday, September 7, many residents questioned whether this was to discuss a bid which was made for Stratton Stores.

Following the public portion of the meeting, the press and public were asked to leave, with a discussion planned ‘to receive an update on the sale of 1 Lords Court and agree any necessary actions.’

The meeting revealed that after undertaking a new survey of the building, the prospective buyer of 1 Lords Court had made an offer lower than their former £175,000 bid.

The council has sought advice from the National Association of Local Council’s legal team, who advised that the council could take the lower offer that had been received.

It was also revealed that the potential buyer has stated that they would ‘like to proceed as soon as possible’ and would offer the current shop tenant a new 15 year lease.

However, following lengthy discussions, it was resolved by the council that the meeting be adjourned until new information had been verified and circulated to xouncillors, and the matter can be resumed at a properly convened Full Council meeting.

As a result, Stratton’s residents continue to wait for news of the future of their vital community asset.