TAVISTOCK Car Club's E-cocar has a new home in the town thanks to the generosity of West Devon Borough Council.

The car, which had a designated space in the Guildhall Car Park, is now located in the borough council's Bedford Car Park — a space which will be free of charge to the club.

John Stuart, co-ordinator of the car sharing initiative in Tavistock and caretaker of the car, said: 'We are very grateful for the support that the town council has shown to this innovative project and the car's presence in a highly visible location in the Guildhall Car Park has been really helpful. However, understand-ably, the town council felt obliged to make a reasonable charge for the space.

'Part of our aim is to keep costs as low as possible, so as to be very attractive to users, and the borough council has been very supportive of this community venture in offering us this space at no cost to the club.

'Bedford Car Park is seldom completely full so the loss of revenue to the council is small, but we are still grateful for the positive and encouraging attitude that has been shown by the councillors and their officers.

'The new location is not as visible as the old one, but it is really convenient, being literally two minutes walk from the bus station. It means people in the surrounding villages can very easily catch the bus into town and continue their journey by car.'

The Car Club, which offers availability of the Toyota Aygo at a charge of £3.95 per hour and 15p per mile is still looking for new members to make the idea sustainable in the long term.

Mr Stuart added: 'This is a great opportunity for some people in and around Tavistock to enjoy a shared asset, particularly as the first three new users in December are promised a waiver of the £25 sign up fee. If it goes well, we could get a second car, or even a third.

'Young people, who at the moment have to pay extreme prices for their insurance, could have access to a car at the standard price. Older people, thinking of renewing their car, or their second car, can look at a much cheaper option. No maintenance charges, no depreciation and no worry. I think this is an idea whose time has come.'

Anyone interested in finding out more about Tavistock Car Club can visit e-cocars.com or contact John Stuart on 01822 618960.