CONCERN has been raised among members of the public about the location of the new over 55s rest room, with fears that the new site in Tavistock Pannier Market’s East End Stores will take away a prime retail unit.

A number of residents and visitors to the town have expressed disdain at the fact that the unit will no longer be used for retail in what is such a ‘prime trade location’.

In a letter to the Times, one Tavistock resident said: ‘Having spoken to many people on the subject, it has become very apparent that there is a great deal of discontent about this new location for the rest room facility. I think everyone is agreed that it is a good thing for the town to have and support this facility but not in this prime trade location in the pannier market surround.’

‘Local people are quite precious about the pannier market and are fully aware what a draw this is for tourism and for town visitors but only if the pannier market is fit for purpose and does what it says on the tin — market = trade, business, retail, shopping, financial input.

‘This rest room facility will alter the purpose of the market and will basically (for the moment) nullify the east end of the market for shoppers and retail trade. Where will the footfall be for the traders who occupy the back end of the market? Where is the balance of independent shops in the pannier surround? Where was the consultation that local people so strongly feel they should have been allowed?’

Mr Wood from Horrabridge said in a letter to the Times: ‘The council is talking about a rest room for the over 55s. I’m 72 and there are many places to rest in Tavistock, with many tea rooms, cafés and even St Eustachius’ Church to contemplate in. The pannier market area is for shopping. The council needs to think again.’

Resident Emma Taynton-Young said she visited the shop currently in the unit regularly and said it was a shame that such a viable, thriving unit was being asked to leave to make room for the rest room which was already successful being held where it was at the Anchorage Centre.

She said the shop brought in people from Exmouth, Bideford and other areas, which was a good thing for the town. She said she was aware that the tenancy agreement was only short-term but felt the council should have offered the tenant the chance to stay. She said she was ‘genuinely dismayed’ but not surprised at the council’s decision and has set up a meeting with the town council to discuss the issue further.

However, resident Ted Sherrell felt the council had made the right decision. He said: ‘Tavistock and the surrounding area has a population more elderly than average and the old rest room was a much used, valued facility. As we know, it has, for the past seven years, stood empty and rotting in the centre of town, despite constant efforts by the council to get the owners to agree to it being returned to community use.

‘Whilst it is regrettable that a retail shop in the pannier market area will be closing — one hopes they might relocate to one of the many empty units in the main streets — it is good news that the rest room will again be in the centre of town and, with the property being in the ownership of the local authority, thus in reality the council tax payers, its long term future should be assured. I feel our competent town council should be congratulated for their wise, proactive action.’

Barbara Pine from Bere Alston, said in a letter to the Times that there was a real need for this facility: ‘I think it is a great pity that a hard working business owner is being asked to vacate their premises to make room for the rest room but there is still a very real need for this facility. People are dying much younger now, many on their own so it is very important to get out and socialise and not sit home alone, which can lead to depression and possibly dementia.

‘When the rest room was up and running we regularly had 40 or more people in a morning coming in, including an elderly couple, the husband having dementia. The wife could then leave him knowing he would be safe and happy while she had an hour or so to do the shopping or just a much needed break.

‘Unfortunately there will never be a venue as perfect as the rest room, which is now an absolute disgrace in the town centre, so we just have to make do with second best.’

A spokesperson for BID (Tavistock Business Improvement District) said: ‘I believe there are ongoing communications between the town council and the shop owner. BID does and, subject to our continuing, will continue to work with the town council to achieve the best for our business community.’

On behalf of Tavistock and District Chamber of Commerce, a spokesperson said: ‘We are currently working with Tavistock Town Council and other organisations to support any activities that enhance the vitality and the diverse offerings of the town as a whole. Maintaining and encouraging economic growth within the town and the wider geographical area is really important to everyone and potentially having all of the East End Stores being put to use is another positive move within Tavistock.’

A spokesperson for Tavistock Town Council said: ‘The units at East End Stores fall within a secondary shopping zone which operated successfully when the economy was buoyant. More recently though, feedback has been that customer footfall in the area has reduced and there has been an increased turnover of the units. The most sustainable way to improve the situation is to promote, where possible, “destination” type businesses.

‘These depend less on passing trade than serving a need. Consequently, once established, they generate much of their own footfall. The partnership with an important local charity, TASS, to support the older and potentially vulnerable in our town, falls into this category by drawing more people into this area and delivering an important community benefit. It is noteworthy that the longest standing business there is a well regarded local barbers. The one other business in that location, which is occupying a unit on a temporary basis, has been offered alternative premises so there is no adverse impact in current traders.’

Town clerk Carl Hearn said: ‘This area was originally developed for exclusive “boutique“ retail units in a different economic climate. However, it still represents a valuable part of the retail and service offer for Tavistock which the council continues to actively support and promote both as landlord and with partners in the business and voluntary sectors.’