A PROJECT to boost facilities in and around Tavistock is celebrating after receiving a £57,500 grant from the South West RDA's Market and Coastal Town's Initiative.
The RDA's £57,500 has also been supplemented by £5,700 from West Devon Borough Council, making a total funding package of £63,200.
The cash boost will be used to help local people and businesses in Tavistock and the surrounding area draw up a community plan to take forward a range of projects designed to breathe new life into their communities.
A raft of potential ideas have been identified for the community plan including a youth café, a craft workshop, a visitor centre and retail outlet, along with an arts festival and improvements to local transport.
Cllr Peter Donkin, Tavistock Town Council representative on the MCTI steering group, said: 'It's good news, it's money coming into the area and will be spent in the area.'
Cllr Donkin said he was particularly keen that the town's youth café project should be taken forward— and hoped some of the money would be earmarked for a business plan for the idea.
Les Roper, South West RDA regeneration consultant, said: 'I am delighted the RDA has funded £57,500 to Tavistock and the surrounding area to work up their plan in more detail.
'This is not a quick fix solution, but a long-term committement from the RDA and its partners to empower local communities to be architects of their own future.'