Thank you an eagle eyed reader for pointing out that the Cabinet Agenda for 4 June 2014 also seals the fate of the constantly loss-making Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton.

On page 92 of the 93 pages of the agenda and under the part where discussion is in private it recommends:

That Cabinet agree in principle to a transfer of the Thelma Hulbert Gallery to the LED Leisure Trust, and that the transfer takes place

subject to 

(i) successful grant applications which mean the Gallery can still function with a reduced financial support package from the Council.

 (ii) satisfactory detailed transfer arrangements being agreed between the Council and LED, with delegated authority being given

to the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the relevant portfolio holder to approve them, and subject to further legal, financial and

valuation advice as required.

Questions to be asked:

Why is EDDC still subsidising this little-used facility?  Perhaps its collection could be moved to the new Beehive Community Centre (which EDDC has so generously funded).  Or perhaps to Skypark!

LED is itself subsidised by EDDC so surely this is simply removing the subsidy to a less transparent area (though we have not been allowed to see the operating figures for this gallery on which EDDC decisions have been made).

What exactly does LED have in mind?

What will be the basis of the Trust?  Will EDDC still be underwriting its losses?

If LED cannot make a go of it, what happens to it then?  Who “owns” it in those circumstances?

The people of Honiton might well wish to ask a few questions.

The report ends with this sentence  “The Gallery helps achieve the priorities under Enjoying this Outstanding Place in the Council Plan as well as supporting the economic objectives of the Council”

Oh that the council REALLY understood what “Enjoying this outstanding place” REALLY means!