ENHANCEMENT of Tavistock's Bedford Square came under the spotlight during a meeting in the town last week.
The square, technically part of Devon County Council's highways network but managed by the town council, is the subject of a report by council staff, which seeks to find additional uses for it and to enhance its general appearance.
The report, by deputy town clerk Rosie Kehoe and market reeve Eddie Carruthers, states 'by increasing public awareness and trading opportunities, it is believed that further vibrancy and benefits can be achieved'.
It is proposed the council buys an open-sided marquee, which could be used for a variety of occasions, and erected on the square as required.
The report states: 'A marquee would provide a pleasing visual impact on the approach to the town centre along Plymouth Road, as well as lending a feeling of vitality and prosperity.
'An open sided canopy to form a covered entrance to the town hall would provide ambience and a "sense of occasion" as well as shelter for photographs etc.
'The marquee would not only provide further space for stalls as part of a market, but with a flexible design, could incorporate an outside café on a more regular basis, as well as the facility to use it as an extra covered area for functions.'
It is hoped such a marquee, in addition to enhancing the square visually, would increase footfall to the market and its perimeter shops, provide an income to the council and a facility for small businesses to rent.
During last week's meeting of the town council's properties committee, members heard that the original choice of marquee would have to be rejected.
Town clerk Roger Howard said: 'The large marquee is impractical — it would take four hours and four men to put up and three hours and four men to take down.
'We've now got some details of a much smaller marquee, and the idea is that this might be offered to people to put up themselves, but the large one is a no-go.'
Cllr Mandy Govier was concerned about how the marquee would be fixed to the surface of the square.
Col Howard told members small studs were used but that they would be no more obtrusive than anything already in situ.
Town mayor Robin Pike suggested the idea of an inflatable tent.
But Cllr John Sellis said an inflatable tent needed to be kept pumped up and may need too much maintenance.
The committee agreed that investigations into the purchase of a marquee should continue and that the clerk should liaise with the county council regarding the council's plans.