Sir, The refurbishment of the Guildhall is a major project in Abingdon, but I have increasing concerns about its financial management.

On June 26, 2014, I attended a meeting of Abingdon Town Council and formally asked the leader of the town council for details of the spend on contracts for the Guildhall since 2010. I was told that this information was not immediately available and would need to be researched but would be sent to me in due course, which in itself I found slightly surprising as I would have thought that this was basic housekeeping.

On September 15, the leader wrote to me saying: “The matter is not quite as straightforward as may at first glance be thought, as the information you request spans over a number of revenue and capital codes and accounts over five financial years. We are keen to ensure that any information supplied is both complete and accurate and consequently the information when produced will need to be reviewed, following which I will be pleased to supply it to you.”

He stated that I should receive it upon his return from the Conservative Party Conference on or about October 3. To date, I am still waiting. I had intended to attend the Guildhall Committee on December 11 to ask again, but now understand that this meeting has been postponed until next year.

I am concerned that the town council either is struggling with this major project, or deliberately being secretive, or both. As the Guildhall is such an important asset in the town and is starting to look rather “tired and run-down”, I am reluctantly seeking the information via your columns.

Dr Jim Halliday Abbey Close Abingdon