A row over grass cutting, planting and advertising revenue has seen councillors opt to keep control of two key roundabouts rather than hand them back.
Cullompton Town Council debated whether to return responsibility for the sites to Devon County Council, which has proposed installing advertising hoardings and resuming basic maintenance.
Dan Ledger told members the town council had originally taken over the roundabouts due to concerns about maintenance standards and had since improved their appearance.
He explained that the county now intended to generate income from advertising at the sites and had offered to take back responsibility for upkeep. However, this would be limited to four grass cuts a year, with no additional planting or landscaping.
Dan said the decision for councillors was whether to continue funding enhanced maintenance — including planting and weeding — or accept a reduced standard under county control.
Councillor Chris Snow said the responsibility should return to the county, arguing it was their asset and that any advertising revenue should support its upkeep. He said the town council should not continue investing money into it.
Dan added that maintaining the improved standard required significant staff time, with around a week of work by two team members needed for each roundabout.
However, councillor Tony Spring said it would be a “shame” to lose the progress made, warning the sites could revert to simple grass areas without seasonal planting or regular upkeep.
Councillor Marilyn Bidmead agreed, suggesting it would be disappointing to undo the work already carried out. She also questioned whether the town council could seek a financial contribution from the county if it continued maintaining the sites.
Dan said the county had previously made clear it would only provide the basic four cuts per year, with any enhanced maintenance remaining the responsibility of the town council.
Councillor Lloyd Knight said if the county was receiving advertising income, it should also take responsibility for maintaining the roundabouts to an acceptable standard, and supported handing them back.
Councillor John Standford raised concerns about the risk of the sites becoming untidy if the county failed to carry out its scheduled cuts, warning they could become an eyesore.
Councillor Mike Thompson said that when the county had previously managed the roundabouts, local advertising had been more modest, with small plaques rather than large hoardings. He added that standards had declined over time, leading to a loss of support from local businesses.
He said if the county were to take control again, it should maintain the roundabouts to the same high standard seen in nearby areas such as Tiverton, and suggested this could reduce the burden on town council staff.
Councillors ultimately voted to retain control of the roundabouts and continue enhanced maintenance, including planting and trimming, rather than return them to county management.
