A DEAL for the Teignmouth Community College sixth form to use the top floor of Bitton House has fallen through.

The spacious first floor of the historic building is now empty after being vacated by the county council, and the town council and the college tried to hammer out a lease deal.

At least two councillors, however, were opposed to the proposal, for different reasons.

Cllr Terry Falcao, who led the negotiations with the college, said: 'In the end there were deadlines for the college and they had to move quickly in order to ensure they met their commitments.

'The time lines did not lend themselves to protracted negotiations and we could not get a deal done in the time available, despite open and honest negotiations between the parties.

'Although there was no deal, the process afforded me and some others, a better understanding of how the college's new academy status will be operating for education in our town.

'The management and the governors have taken some big steps and are extremely brave in entering into unknown territory. I certainly wish them well.'

Cllr David Cox thought the deal would have secured the future of Bitton House, without enormous costs to the taxpayer, while allowing the young people to learn in a building that was part of their heritage.

'I hope the council will, nevertheless, look to work with the college. In this age of austerity we need to see if there are ways to save costs by pooling resources.'

Tony Gray, the college principal, said he was also disappointed that a deal could not be struck, 'but in the end it was beyond our reach'.

He added: 'The negotiations we had with the town council were positive and constructive and have improved our relationship.'

The council will now seek another tenant for the floor, which could be a prestige location for a private company because of the location of Bitton House, with its river views, parkland and parking facilities.