LYME Regis Town Council should not release any land at Langmoor Gardens because it would hamper a possible future enhancement scheme.

The view was expressed at a meeting of the recreations committee on Wednesday by Coun Owen Lovell who stressed that a landlocked area at the entrance to the, gardens, currently accommodating a Western Power sub-station, should remain in the hands of the local authority.

Councillors heard that a property owner wished to acquire a piece of land behind it, free of charge, in order to treat damp penetration.

Town clerk Michael Lewis said that, although Western Power did not use all of the sub-station for its equipment, it had no intention of downsizing it at this stage.

It might be possible in due course with the acquisition of new technology and equipment, but it would cost the town council around £10,000 to meet the cost of the size reduction.

In the meantime, Western Power would be refurbishing and repainting the sub-station, and had given the council permission to remove fly posters which would enhance the entrance to the gardens.

"The painting of the building will make it look so much better for the summer," said committee chairman Coun Ken Whetlor.

"I agree for it is very tatty at the moment," added Coun Peter Williams.

The committee supported Coun Lovell in his view that no land should be relinquished.