TAVISTOCK has received a major boost in an effort to raise footfall in the town.

After much work from Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID), local councils and councillors, Tavistock has received the prestigious ‘coach friendly’ title — which will bring further trade to the town after a reported drop in revenue for local shops in recent years.

rlier this month that the number of coaches visiting Tavistock had been dropping since 2013 and decided to apply for the award.

Lisa Piper, BID manager, stood before a panel of judges from the Coach Friendly Association on March 14, who — thankfully — deemed Tavistock worthy of the high status.

‘This is excellent news for Tavistock,’ said Lisa. ‘The extra footfall and revenue these trips used to bring are vital to our economy.

‘The status will raise our profile and be a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract old and new visitors back to our beautiful town.

‘We are delighted with this positive outcome.’

Tavistock Pannier Market reeve Duane Carruthers also attended the panel, showing links and cooperative working to help improve the town’s footfall.

Lisa added: ‘This result is the culmination of the shared vision of Tavistock BID and both Tavistock and West Devon councils. This is an excellent example of what collaborative working can achieve.

‘The prestigious award will elevate Tavistock’s profile within the tour operating community and should help attract additional visitors to the town.’

Mr Carruthers said: ‘Being recognised as a coach friendly destination is a crucial part in encouraging coaches to visit Tavistock.

‘Working with BID has been key in gaining this award.

‘Along with the market improvements and the new events venue of Butcher’s Hall, we look forward to a busy summer with lots of tourists visiting this lovely town.’

Tavistock and District Chamber of Commerce chairman Tim Randell said: ‘This is excellent news for the businesses in the town and surrounding areas. I know how hard Duane, his colleagues at the town council and the BID worked to win this award. Coupled with Tavistock being named by the Sunday Times as one the best places to live in the UK — we can be really proud of our town.

‘The Tavistock and District Chamber of Commerce will continue to work closely with West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council and the BID to promote Tavistock to the South West region and UK as the place to visit, shop and stay.’

Lisa added: ‘This is only one strand of the BID’s development strategy to attract more tourists to the town.’