A FACELIFT could be on the cards for Tavistock's pannier market. Members of the town council's properties committee at their recent meeting were given an outline of a scheme to brighten the north colonade of the market, using small freestanding units, similar in style to wooden summerhouses. The project is the brainchild of market reeve Eddie Carruthers and deputy town clerk Rosie Keyhoe. Mrs Keyhoe said: 'The idea is to put these custom-made units between the pillars of the colonnade. They would be totally moveable and not fixed to anything — they wouldn't be huge, about nine feet by eight feet. 'The idea is to brighten up a dead end of the market area and provide retail opportunities for small businesses.' Mrs Keyhoe said since the East End Stores had been developed, there was concern that shoppers were still not being drawn to that end of the market precinct. Mr Carruthers said: 'We've had a lot of flack about footfall in that area, so the more we can attract people down there, the better. 'The approach to it is dull and dingy, it's horrible and really needs enhancing.' Mr Carruthers said the money invested on the units could probably be recuperated within a year or so and from then on, would provide additional income for the council, while also providing opportunities for small businesses. 'We'd have to be careful what we put in there. It would need to be small, attractive things — it's got to be bright and vibrant, to attract people down to the East End shopping area.' Cllr Robin Pike said: 'I think it's a good idea, I am just concerned about health and safety in that alleyway. That needs to be looked at and we also need to think about English Heritage. Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I think it's very imaginative, it would improve the area and could be a good earner — certainly in principle we should investigate it.' Cllr David Best said: 'From the outline we've been given, it's going to be economic in the first two years and have quite a good return thereafter. I think we should go ahead and check it out.' Cllr Maxine Gibson said: 'I think that end of the market is extremely ugly. If people saw attractive things down there it would attract people and the East End Stores would see more trade.' Cllr Mandy Govier said the scheme was imaginative and she hoped it would work, though she still felt lighting in the area was inadequate, despite recent improvements. Cllr Brian Trew proposed the committee back the idea and asked that a thorough investigation be carried out, including costs. Councillors agreed — the decision was ratified at the full council meeting last week.
