DEVIZES Town Council is to continue allowing only approved caterers to use its facilities at the town hall and Corn Exchange despite complaints.

The council's recreation and properties committee reviewed the catering arrangements on Tuesday night after local people complained about the policy.

The council brought in the policy last April to increase income from renting out the town hall and Corn Exchange for functions.

They drew up a list of nominated caterers who they charge ten per cent commission.

Anyone can apply to be included, but bookers cannot use their own caterers unless they are on the list.

Coun John Leighton told Tuesday's meeting: "I have been approached by a number of people who would like to use our venues, but have been discouraged by the new policy."

Town council manager Simon Fisher said that the council had a fantastic set of venues which shouldn't be undersold.

He said that, before the policy came into force, the council had advertised for caterers to go on the list, but local people didn't reply. Since then, town caterers had expressed an interest in coming on board.

The committee agreed to set up a sub-committee to look at the policy again.