WEST Devon Conservatives have just published a new strategic plan, which they say they will pursue in an effort to make the borough a better place in which to live.

Although the Tories do not hold a majority on the borough council, they are the largest political group and say they have a responsibility to 'set down clear priorities for action' which they hope other member will support.

Conservative group leader Cllr Dick Eberlie said the borough council was 'well-run' but lacked 'clear objectives and strategies to achieve them'.

He said the new, restricted set of objectives was derived from the group's manifesto published in May.

Cllr Eberlie said: 'We want everyone to know our intentions and priorities. This is because we expect to be judged against our success or failure at the end of our term of service.

'Our aim as a group is to make the borough a better place to live in at the end of this four years than it is now.'

The group aims to promote the prosperity of West Devon by supporting agencies which help small businesses, expand its plans to bring tourists into the area, do all it can to assist farmers, support the work of the Rural Renaissance Project and co-operate with elected and voluntary bodies to promote prosperity.

It will redouble its work to provide social and affordable housing and make renewed efforts to alleviate deprivation and homelessness throughout the borough.

The group will develop its strategy for recycling and continue to improve communications with the public within West Devon.

It has also pledged to work closely with parish councils and the Community Council of Devon to support village halls, work alongside the youth of the borough, ensure that library services are adequate and support the expansion of social and sports facilities in West Devon.