MORE community involvement in the Meadows and Tavistock's open spaces could be a key part of a new move in the management of the town's parks.

The idea of a park warden was suggested by town councillor Sue Bailey earlier this year. Cllr Bailey was concerned about anti-social behaviour and vandalism, particularly in the Meadows.

During a meeting of the town council's properties committee last Tuesday, works superintendent Wayne Southall reported in investigations which had taken place regarding the proposal.

Mr Southall said by encouraging community involvement in the parks, perhaps through planting schemes, consultations, and entertainment, it was hoped a sense of ownership would be encouraged, which would drive down incidents of anti-social behaviour.

He said the council's works administrator, James Clapp, had already held two previous jobs as a park ranger, whose duties involved encouraging the same type of community involvement.

Mr Southall said: 'I have spoken to the works administrator and he is more than happy to be involved in a set up where we attempt to get the community involved in looking after our open spaces.'

Cllr Debo Sellis said there were many groups in Tavistock, such as Grow Tavi and Transition Tavistock she thought would 'embrace' the idea.

Cllr Mandy Govier said schools in the town were already working with Westden on planting and growing initiatives and the council had to be careful about its approach, although she strongly backed greater utilisation of the Meadows for community events.

'I know Wayne has some great ideas about music festivals and sporting events,' she said.

'I am all for things like that, but I am just a bit wary as to where some of these ideas could go.'

Town mayor Cllr David Whitcomb said: 'I hope we are not losing our way — the idea of a park warden was because we were worried about vandalism.'

But Mr Southall said in fact, the levels of vandalism were not high in the Meadows and to create a new role of a park warden on these terms would not make economic sense.

The committee agreed to work towards a policy of greater community involvement in the parks, with the aim of a spring-time launch.