Robert Swann, of Pennyacre Road, Teignmouth, writes:Having relocated to Teignmouth some years ago I have been most impressed over the intervening years by the imaginative work that has been done to show the town in its best light. There have been and will be in the near future significant regeneration projects which will add to the progress that has already been made and there is every sign that those looking after the wellbeing of the residents and businesses will continue with their sterling work.There is one local issue which flies in the face of this progressive approach and it is perplexing. I refer to the mystifying situation concerning the derelict One Stop Shop in Bitton Park Road. It has been debated in council and a move for compulsory purchase has been narrowly rejected on the grounds of unknown cost implications. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this decision, it follows accepted protocol. The nett result of this is that the eyesore remains an eyesore and there is no obvious attempt being made to do anything constructive about it. In the interest of the residents in the immediate area in respect of both appearance and health issues as well as for the town’s folk in general something, even if it is temporarily cosmetic, should be done about it. This situation won’t get better by itself and if the mysterious owners of the property, who seem to be shy about stepping forward for some reason, have no intention of capitalising on this valuable piece of real estate they should at least accept that they have responsibilities to fulfil as property owners. If they are not to face compulsory purchase either in the short or long term they should at least be challenged by a compulsory ‘make it look acceptable externally’ order – I realise there is no such thing but surely something along these lines would be a reasonable request.Last Friday’s article in the Teignmouth Post mentions the suggestion that a ‘private discussion behind closed doors should take place because of complicated ownership’ which gives it the air of a fictional conspiracy that is not appropriate. A closed discussion on a matter that visibly affects so many people goes against the accepted principles of open and honest governance; such a draconian stance is a curious response. A lick of paint and window murals will surely not resonate in the hallowed corridors of national security.The time has come to be anything but indecisive.