THE man with the opportunity to influence Okehampton's image more than any other individual was in town on Tuesday.

Lead artist for the town's regeneration scheme, Ray Smith came to discuss his ideas.

He said: 'A town like Okehampton which is the gateway to the moor needs an attraction, something of national importance to bring people into it.'

Mr Smith, 50, who lives in Somerset, has a long artistic pedigree covering a wide range of creative projects. During his visit he met members of Okehampton Town Council, Okehampton 2000, and Okehampton Chamber of Trade.

His role is to create design ideas which best reflect what the town is and incorporate these into the overall design initiatives — such as seating, paving, signing and open spaces.

He told Okehampton Chamber of Trade that since the Tate Gallery opened in St Ives the economy grew by 30 per cent.

'Okehampton could have something of national importance in the centre of town that would be a magnet for visitors and do a lot for the economy,' he said.

He felt the town had 'turned its back' on the river. 'It is one of the main aspects of the town that can contribute to its quality. But so much cannot be seen.'

Mr Smith said the Victorian Arcade could look 'really beautiful' and suggested an inlaid floor and stained glass instead of white glass in the top. In Simmons Park he felt maybe a granite sculpture could be set in the water to celebrate the flow of the river.

'My task is to come up with specific ideas and broad visions,' he said.

But he warned however good things ended up there would always be people who did not like them. 'There will be so much flack and aggravation and people saying it's a load of rubbish.'

He said when the town had agreed on the ideas they should keep them pure and protect them.

'These things take time to come through and it's never plain sailing — I have done enough of it to know it's hard.'

Mr Smith welcomes suggestions and asked them to be sent to Claire Stein, West Devon Borough Council arts officer. Ideas would be on display in the town in July which would provide another opportunity for consultation.