A VISION for the future of Tavistock Pannier Market as the ?jewel in the crown? of the town was unveiled last week by market reeve John Brady.

All members of council staff had an input into the concept for improvement of the whole area. Many of the traffic ideas were developed from those put forward last July, when the reeve proposed a rationalised strategy for parking controls in and around the pannier Market.

Mr Brady said that at times parts of the pannier market environs looked ?untidy, run-down and tacky?. The proposals aimed to rejuvenate the area and get more people visiting the market and surrounding shops.

The new proposals could also include Monday opening for the pannier market and a single co-ordinator to oversee the day-to-day running of the market, the shops around its perimeter and Bedford Square.

Mr Brady made a presentation to a full town council meeting, but said the ?meat had to be put on the bones? of the proposals and the finer details would then be discussed by the relevant committees.

He proposed a reversal of the existing situation, with one-way traffic entering the precinct by the existing exit route and leaving via the existing ?in? entrance.

Cars and vans would still be allowed in the market perimeter, but the parking system would be regulated, and the unattractive sight of vehicles obscuring shop fronts could be prevented, said Mr Brady.

He said there was also a problem with the large number of green skips used by the shops, making the market surrounds look untidy. Designated skip and storage areas within the perimeter should be established.

Mr Brady said his proposals aimed to improve the visual appeal of the market area, and establish the pannier market and its surroundings as the ?heart of Tavistock?.

The market reeve said the east end stores area, which was being redeveloped, needed to be smartened up to ensure the maximum possible return for what was a prime trading area, believing this was ?vital for the commercial viability? of the site.

The market reeve also said an area of the market perimeter could be pedestrianised, possibly with landscaping to make it more attractive.

Another aim identified was a more focussed marketing strategy for the town.

Cllr Judith Williams thanked Mr Brady and the council officers for their ?hard work, vision and foresight?. However, she hoped the proposed development concept would not result in the market and its environs losing any of its individual character.

Cllr Norma Woodcock described the proposals as ?very exciting and very positive?.