CONSERVATIVE MP for Torridge and West Devon, Geoffrey Cox, is on the move to Tavistock — after ten years in Bideford.

Mr Cox said he decided to uproot his team to offer West Devon residents the same open door policy that he has operated in the Torridge town for a decade.

He added: ‘I am delighted to be moving to Tavistock after ten years in the north of the Torridge and West Devon seat.

‘I feel that now is the right time to relocate the office, in response to the huge number of requests I receive from my constituents in West Devon to open a constituency office in Tavistock, and I look forward to meeting many more of them when they have the opportunity to visit the new office.

‘I am shutting up my current office — with all staff in the office moving as well. I have always said that after a while I would relocate so that other members of my constituency can drop in to see me if necessary.

‘I am giving another town the opportunity to walk straight into their MP’s office and I think it’s the first time in 25 to 35 years that an MP has had their office in Tavistock.

‘I’ve had 10 years in the north and I look forward to being able to give a different perspective.’

Mr Cox said he hadn’t yet found an office but hoped to have relocated by the beginning of March.

He added: ‘We have been looking at offices on Paddons Row but haven’t decided yet. We need to find something suitable.

‘We will have relocated by March 1 and will hold an office warming party later. We hope to have an office in a central location and operate an open door policy — anyone can drop in and see me or my staff from 9am till 5pm.

‘We need to make sure the office is accessible for everyone, the places we were looking at weren’t ideal because they were upstairs.’

The office is expected to be fully operational from Monday, March 7, with an official opening to follow later in the year.

Geoffrey will also continue to hold his regular advice surgeries in the town, alongside those in Holsworthy, Great Torrington and Bideford.