EOPLE in Dulverton are calling on the parish church not to sell two cottages left to it by a resident who worried that young people would not be able to afford to live locally.
Joyce Burton bequeathed her own home at 5 Church Lane and two neighbouring cottages, numbers 3 and 4, to All Saints Church to provide affordable housing for young people in the town.
Her own home was sold to pay for renovations to the cottages, one of which went on the market last week at estate agents Webbers for £182,500 after tenants moved out. Tenants are still living in the other, number 3.
An online petition against the sale was started on Monday and had 164 signatures within 48 hours, and printed petitions are also being signed around the town, asking the rector and All Saints Parochial Church Council to reconsider.
All Saints Church PCC said selling the properties would free the church of the costs and responsibilities of being a landlord and would enable it to do more for the parish and community.
“It would also help ensure we can continue to maintain the church and its buildings for future worshippers and the wider community.”