OKEHAMPTON Town Councillors have been accused of 'turning their back on the history of the town' after deciding against re-hanging the the Millennium Quilt in the refurbished Charter Hall.

The 12 members of the Castle Quilters made the quilt over an 18-month period. It was presented to the town council to mark the millennium and depicts the everyday life of the area at four times of day through the four seasons.

The quilt, which hung in the Charter Hall for 13 years, was removed during refurbishment work at the premises. It has not been re-hung since the hall reopened in February, and cannot be hung in its original spot due to the hall's new ventilation system.

At a recent property meeting councillors decided not to rehang the quilt in the hall.

But the issue has struck a nerve with the quilting group. Susan Enderson, of the Castle Quilters, created a petition to find out how many people wanted to see the quilt rehung in the hall. It has around 700 signatures.

Mrs Enderson said: 'As a group we are all very disappointed by this decision. We had no idea that it would only hang in the hall for 13 years. When you make something on that scale to commemorate the millennium, you only imagine it will stay in place for a very long time.

'It feels like the council are turning their back on the history of the town by removing all the pictures and the quilt from the Charter Hall, and it is very sad.

'The hall looks bland now, and along with the new houses being built, it is just another part of the character of the town being taken away.

'We took the quilt up to Okehampton Primary recently, and they loved it. It should be on view, as it clearly acted as an inspiration to the youngsters. It is better off hanging somewhere, so if somewhere can be found where it can hang and be seen, that would be best.'

During the refurbishment, the hall was decorated with a neutral colour scheme in an effort to attract organisers of weddings, conferences and business functions to use it for their events. This is so the hall can be 're-dressed' to fit any occasion.

The council is now engaging with the college, library and other community organisations to find a place for the quilt to hang.

It is also considering having it hung temporarily in several places, so that a wide range of community members can see it.

Cllr Jan Goffey, chair of the property committee, said: 'The quilt is a wonderful piece of artwork, and heaven forbid that it be put away in an attic or put into storage.

'We are actively engaging with the library, college and primary school to see about whether they would like to hang it.

'The Charter Hall is mostly closed to the public and open for private functions and meetings. I imagine more members of the community will see it were it to be hung at another community space.'

Former borough councillor Edna Hicks feels the issue should have gone before a full town council meeting as opposed to a sub-committee.

She said: 'The quilt is such an important thing for lots of people that it really should have been voted on by the entire council at a full council meeting, rather than at property committee.

'It is important for Okehampton, and people are so disillusioned at the moment by councils and politics, the important things like this should go before the entire council.

'The quilt was an artwork given to the town and the town council, and it should have remained in the hall.

'I understand that they have decorated the hall for people to hire, but it needs brightening up. There is no reason why it is not hung back up.'

The council has offered to re-imburse the quilting group for the fireproofing work and cleaning work carried out on the quilt following its removal from the hall.