A REQUEST to hold an exhibition of conservatories on Bedford Square in Tavistock was given the thumbs down by town councillors at their meeting last week.

The request came from Anglian Home Improvements, which wanted to use the square for an exhibition on November 8 and 29.

Councillors have been facing an increase in requests to use the paved area in front of the town hall in recent months.

And with Tavistock Farmers? Market now being held twice a month, there is increasing competition to book square space.

Straightforward commercial bookings, for example by garages to hold car displays on the square, have been refused by the council.

But faced with the increased demand for the square, councillors have agreed to draw up a clear policy on what is acceptable and what is not. There will also be a meeting between councillors and established users of the square, like the Farmers? Market Association, the Lions and the organisers of the annual Steam Festival.

Councillors agreed to ask the deputy town clerk to write to Anglian Home Improvements turning down its request and informing the company a new policy on commercial bookings on Bedford Square was being formulated.