The lowest of three tenders has been accepted by Bideford Rural Council

for the erection of 10 old people’s dwellings and ancilliary works at Well Spring Close, Hartland.

From Stacey and Co., of Holsworthy, it was in the sum of £32,497, which was within the yardstick, plus 10 per cent, explained the Surveyor (Mr L J Dunn).

It meant the Council could accept the tender and notify the Ministry accordingly, he added.

Tenders received for laying a water main from Natcott, Hartland, to Baxworthy, varied from £475 to £2,389, the Council were told. But in the case of the highest tenderers, the Surveyor commented: “They don’t want the job – otherwise they would do one job and retire!”

Successful tenderer was Mr Coles, of Langtree.

The Council were told that it would cost another £600 to supply pipes, but that when the work was completed and mains water available, they could obtain 75 per cent grants towards improvement works to the properties concerned.

The chairman (Mr S A Brimacombe) said they had discussed boreholes but the laying of a water main was the only sure way of getting a supply, and Mr W J Prince said the total figures compared favourably with the price of boreholes with which there was no guarantee of success.

Gazette article dated 10 December 1971