THE fate of the Okehampton Millennium Quilt is to be decided by a town council working party in the next few weeks.

Made by the 12 members of the Castle Quilters over an 18-month period, the quilt was presented to the town council to mark the millennium. It 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 the building's recent refurbishment work. It has not been re-hung since the hall reopened back in February, and cannot be hung in its original spot due to the building's new ventilation system.

The issue has hit a nerve with the quilting group. Susan Enderson, of the group, has created a petition to find out how many people want to see the quilt rehung in the hall. It currently has 695 signatures, and was presented to the council at its latest property meeting on Monday.

Councillors decided to have a small working party discuss the issue and decide whether it would be possible to either hang the quilt in the hall once more, or find another venue for it.

The issue divided opinions among councillors.

Cllr Maureen McDonald said: 'I think the quilt is a wonderful work of art, but I do believe it does not necessarily have to hang in the Charter Hall.

'I commend Mrs Enderson on her petition, but lots of the signatures on here are not residents in the Okehampton electoral area. I wonder how many people on here knew exactly what they are signing.'

Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'The quilt was given to the council, the community and the public. We represent the public and the Charter Hall is our public space, and I think it should remain there. As stated in Mrs Susan Enderson's letter to the council, the quilt can be taken down easily enough.'

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

Cllr Michael Ireland said: 'I think this is a management issue and the council management of the hall. It is to do with a bigger plan for the hall, to attract new users. If it cannot be re-hung in the hall, I am sure there are other good venues across the town

where it'd be much appreciated.'

Councillors will discuss the issue at their next property meeting.