A MAJOR regeneration project for the Okehampton area took a step forward this week, after a series of think-tank meetings.
Under the South West Regional Development Agency's Market and Coastal Town Initiative, Okehampton and its hinterland has an opportunity to bid for up to £1 million.
A Steering Group has been set up to identify projects in liaison with the local community and to put together a Community Plan.
Paul Tucker, overseeing the Initiative which includes seven Devon market towns including Hatherleigh, said the steering group had split into locality groups and meetings or 'brainstorming sessions' were held this week.
All the locality groups will come back together for a steering group meeting in Okehampton on September 25.
The group then will look at how it is going to undertake the community plan process in the three areas.
Mr Tucker said one of the important things was to involve as many local people as possible and this autumn public meetings would be held with this in mind.
'We will be discussing how best to involve people but anyone who has a contribution to make can call me on 01392 382535.'
The community-led projects include the towns of Chagford and North Tawton and will focus on regeneration through such schemes as job creation, high street restoration and improvement of local transport.
The villages eligible for funding under the Chagford umbrella are Gidleigh, Throwleigh and Drewsteignton.
North Tawton will cover Sampford Courtenay, Bondleigh and Spreyton and Okehampton will cover Okehampton Hamlets, Sourton, Bridestowe, Belstone, South Tawton and Sticklepath.
The Hatherleigh area to benefit from the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative includes Highampton, Meeth, Iddesleigh, Broadwoodkelly, Monkokehampton, Exbourne, Jacobstowe, Inwardleigh, Beaworthy, Bratton Clovelly, Germansweek, Northlew.