Jeremy Wilson, a resident of Dartmouth, asked the council: “At its meeting on March 6th, The Town Council resolved as follows in respect of the transfer of assets: “the Town Council confirms the transfer of assets from South Hams District Council, to include Coronation Park, Royal Avenue Gardens, the Castle Estate and verges in the Townstal Road and all buildings and structures thereon.”

“Could the Council please advise what steps it intends to take, and when, to now formally consult with the Town’s residents on the Heads of Terms of the Transfer, specifically the financial proposals, and implications over both the short and longer term.”

Mayor Councillor Richard Cooke said in response: “I would remind the council that it is the Dartmouth Town Council’s responsibility to look after property and assets within the town on behalf of residents.

“As far as the agreement, we hope to have Heads of Terms at a meeting of representatives of South Hams Dartmouth District Council and Dartmouth Town Council on Friday, June 16th. I will have more to tell you after that.

“I don’t think we have any specific plans to seek the views of members of the public further than the publicity of the open meetings and the local press we’ve had.”

To a question raised about whether a presentation of the asset transfer in the Guildhall would be appropriate, Cllr Cooke responded: “I would not like members of the community to think because of this (presentation) that we would change our approach in this particular thing.

“It has been debated in open council for two years now.”