THE sorry state of the barrows used outside Tavistock Pannier Market came under fire during a meeting in the town last week.

Town mayor Cllr Philip Sanders said the barrows made the area near the main arch to the market perimeter look 'incredibly untidy' when they were not in use.

He told members of the properties committee: 'If we are going to have them we have to keep them in reasonable nick — they really do look awful. When there are three or four lined up when not being used they look like a load of scrap metal, and coming through the archway to the square, it's just not the right image.'

Cllr Ashley Tossell agreed:?'Either get new ones or get rid of them.'

Cllr Mandy Govier queried a quote of £770 to replace the barrows.

'I think that's absolutely outrageous,' she said.

Works superindent Wayne Southall told members the quote was purely indicative and had not been accepted.

'Obviously, we are going to look at alternatives, and possibly alternative designs,' he said.

Updating the barrows is just one of several measures being considered to enhance the area around the market hall.

Redecoration works are in the pipeline, artists have been approached with a view to providing designs for murals to be placed in the side entrance passageways into the market precinct, and for the rear windows of shops in the colonnade.

The main fire escape has been power-washed, painting and redecorating work is planned and various planters for floral displays are also being sourced.

Further options are due to be presented to councillors next month.