Knowle relocation project: and warding off evil spirits

The costs for the relocation project are opaque to say the least:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: "The true cost of relocation is almost certainly at least £20 million."

What is clear is that the financing of the District Council's new HQ in Honiton is not being paid for by the sale of its current HQ at Knowle - and that the use of a little magic will certainly not help: 

IT’S GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN A YEW TREE BRANCH TO WARD OFF EVIL AT EDDC NEW HQ!

18 JUN 2018



And who at EDDC was responsible for this press release that gives the (totally erroneous) impression that the sale of Knowle is 100% financing the new HQ?

It’s going to take more than a yew tree branch to ward off evil at EDDC new HQ! | East Devon Watch

The BBC certainly has that impression: 

Yew tree branch at council HQ to 'ward off evil spirits'

18 JUNE 2018 | 14:23

Daniel Clark

Local Democracy Reporting Service

A yew tree branch has been placed on top of East Devon District Council's new HQ to "ward off evil spirits".

The topping out ceremony took place at Blackdown House in Honiton, which will be the council's new home by January 2019.

As part of the ceremony, a yew tree branch was attached to the highest point of the building.

The ceremony was completed by council chairman Andrew Moulding and leader Ian Thomas. A council spokesman said it was "an age-old tradition".

The authority plans to move from its current HQ in Sidmouth to Blackdown House in December 2018. The move will be financed by selling the property to Pegasus Life Ltd for £7.5m, which will turn it into a 113-apartment assisted-living community.

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