YOUNG people in Okehampton will certainly be enjoying a 'Happy New Year' after receiving a welcome 'present' from West Devon Borough Council.
The council is working with Okehampton Town Council to make a piece of land available at Brayhams Terrace, next to the skate park, for young people to use for ball games.
West Devon Borough Councillor Christine Marsh said: 'I am overjoyed that the councils are working together to deliver this to Okehampton.
'With the land belonging to Okehampton we will have better pride and will be regularly talking to the people to see what they want, so that they can have more use of it and also to know that they have ownership of it.'
The land now has funding for improvements, such as a better fence and perhaps some goalposts.
Cllr Marsh added: 'We will be talking to kids to see if that is what they want. There is no area for them to kick around in and this piece of land is perfect for that.
'It will provide them with a play area and somewhere that they can feel is theirs to enjoy.'
Funding to upgrade the skate park and bike area has come from Okehampton United Charity RockETS — the Rock Environmental Treatment Scheme — which is administered by Devon County Council.
West Devon will also be transferring land at Simmons Way to Devon County Council to bridge the gap in the footpath between Exeter Road and the college.
The footpath, which will also be a cycle route, will provide a much safer journey to school. It has been part of Devon County Council's transport plan since more homes have been built in the Exeter Road area, and it is hoping to start work on site during the February half-term.
And the Guide Association will enjoy a secure future in the New Year, when the council transfers land at Brayhams Terrace to the association at a nominal cost — providing a permanent site for their new building and compound.
Marie Endacott, of the Okehampton Guide Association, said they were now looking forward to making firm plans for the future.
She said: 'We have lots of exciting plans — so watch this space!'
Both pieces of land are being transferred at a nominal cost of just £1 as community assets.
Cllr Margaret Garton, chair of West Devon's strategies and resources committee, said: ' West Devon Borough Council is always trying to work with the interests of its residents and we are really pleased that by disposing of these plots of land in this way, residents can benefit greatly.
'The Guide Association will now be assured that they will have a permanent place for their activities and I think that is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow and develop.'
She added: 'Public safety is always our first consideration, and we also appreciate how important it is for organisations to have the security of permanent facilities.'
* Okehampton Girl Guides invite people to go along and enjoy a special event tomorrow (Friday) at the Church Hall, Okehampton (next to Somerfield) from 5.30pm.
A coffee evening will include a tombola stall provided by Waitrose, cake and Christmas gift stalls. Plus there will be a variety show provided by the Brownies and Guides.
Ockment Valley Handbell Ringers will then lead a Christmas singalong. Admission is 50p and will include a cup of tea/coffee or mulled wine.