AN exciting blueprint aimed at turning Tavistock's 'wishlist' into reality was given a warm welcome at its town hall launch last week.

The Towns Alive document, spearheaded by Tavistock Forward, was officially unveiled before an enthusiastic audience predominantly from the business community.

Against a visual background of slides depicting town images, a selection of speakers outlined various proposed initiatives.

Tavistock Forward chairman John Taylor said the document was the result of 11 public meetings with the town's businesses and interested parties. This produced more than 500 suggestions which were structured into 100 key ideas.

'We are asking you as a community to support the general proposals,' said Mr Taylor. 'It is essential that this community shows how it wants the town to be taken forward at this difficult time.'

In outlining the blueprint, commercial consultant Graham Vallis said they were looking at ideas to become plans and hopefully a reality over a 10 year period. The message was to identify the town's strengths and market and capitalise on them.

'Rather than being a victim of changes use them,' he said. The town should set up plans because they are 'goal posts to aim towards'.

'Even if you can only achieve a small percentage of this document that will move Tavistock forward,' he said.

Ian Taylor and Will Smith's presentation on 'town improvement' gave a vision of the future five years hence with 'Joe Soap and family' making an impromptu stop in a tourist-friendly spruced-up Tavistock.

'If you have got it flaunt it — well we have got it! With a bit of effort we can be spectacular,' said Mr Taylor.

They conjured a picture of buskers and jugglers in Bedford Square, people chatting at alfresco tables around an imposing statue, jazz in the bandstand and attractive lighting.

'We are proud of Tavistock and that needs to be reflected in how we promote it and make visitors aware of everything we have to offer.'

Mr John Taylor said there was an element who would like 'to see Tavistock a museum' as it was 50 years ago.

'But it is also a living town. It's a balance between people who live in it and visit it and preserving its heritage,' he said.

Neil Woolcock, speaking from the audience, congratulated Mr Taylor and everyone involved in the project for their work.

'I think the document is a brilliant blueprint for what can be produced in the town over the next 10 years,' he said.

Tavistock Mayor Norma Woodcock said she felt sure she was speaking for everyone when she praised the 'excellent' presentation.

She said the town council was a key — 'but not the only' — player and looked forward to a 'unified and real community effort'.

The ideas outlined in the Towns Alive document were taken forward to a meeting with the Rural Development Agency by Mr Taylor this week.