A PUBLIC notice issued by Teignbridge Council advertising the ‘disposal’ of some assets has caused outrage.

The council has since apologised for any ‘unnecessary alarm’ caused by the publication of the statutory notice.

The assets names in the notices are: Cromwell Way, Bovey Tracey; Palace Meadow, Chudleigh; Morningside, Dawlish; Heath Close, Heath Hill, Prince Rupert Way and Naseby Drive, Heathfield; and Ashburton Road and Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot.

Teignbridge Council has subsequently explained that the disposal of assets is part of its plans to reduce the financial pressure on council services.

But publication of the notice sparked anger, particularly the inclusion of popular Courtenay Park.

One resident complained the notice was small so ‘people don’t notice and object’.

‘All these parks should be saved, especially Courtenay Park, the first thing visitors see from station, band stand still used, some of the best trees in town.’

In response, Teignbridge Council said it has been reviewing its property and land portfolio for several years as part of its long-term plans to most effectively run services and use its assets for the benefit of the community.

A spokesman said: ‘As part of this, the council has been talking with partners, including town and parish councils, about the future of some assets so they can be managed locally where appropriate, or disposed of on the open market.

‘To comply with relevant legislation, the council is required to advertise any disposal of public open space for a period of two consecutive weeks.

‘This is routine part and helps make sure it is open and transparent.’

However, there have been complaints the notice was issued on May 28 and objections and comments have to be received by June 18.

Dawlish councillor Rosie Dawson criticised the council saying it needs to ‘do better’ to communicate what the notices mean.

She said: ‘A list of these assets are going to town and parish councils asking if they would like to take them on.

‘In some areas this can work really well.’