WORK is underway to establish Tavistock as a potential key centre in the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (WHS), members of a West Devon Borough Council committee were told last week.

The community services committee was given an update of the action being taken to address the weaknesses facing Tavistock in a bid to become a key centre.

A report given to members by the borough council's economic development officer Robert Plumb, highlighted the progress that had been made in addressing the weaknesses identified in studies that had been carried out, and were given a plan of the actions necessary to achieve the designation ahead of an assessment by the WHS office due in late spring, early summer.

Mr Plumb said: 'We have taken some action already to address the weaknesses but we still have a lot more to do. Some areas we are a way off delivering such as a Gateway Centre — that will take a number of years to come to fruition.'

Work has already been carried out to rationalise signage in the town centre and notice boards installed at car parks and strategic locations, providing information about the mining heritage. WHS gateway signs have been installed at the road entry points to the town, a heritage festival has been planned for October and other improvements are planned through the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme.

Action that still needs to be taken includes the creation of a more formal partnership to oversee the next stage, requiring member representation from each of the local authorities, and the provision of a visitor Gateway Centre, which is planned to be housed in the lower levels of the Guildhall, following the bid by the town council for Heritage Lottery Support to bring the Guildhall complex into public ownership.

One councillor asked what the role of a key centre was, to which Mr Plumb informed them: 'A lot of visitors to the WHS will come here first because of the geographical location. This is the first place they will come to if they want to explore the heritage site. The Gateway Centre will effectively be a kind of reception and orientation point.'

Mr Plumb mentioned that Morwellham Quay was a key centre for the eastern side of the site but was not functioning as a centre at the moment, but said there was an opportunity for Tavistock and Morwellham to work as linked centres.

Cllr Alison Clish-Green asked if the project would still stand if the town council did not get ownership of the Guildhall complex, considering it was for sale on the open market.

Mr Plumb said: 'Some of these plans can happen without a dedicated space. We have looked at the options but there is no better alternative than the Guildhall at the moment.'

Members noted the progress and agreed for officers to continue to assist with the implementation of the action plan.