EMPTY shops in Okehampton and Tavistock will be used as West Devon Borough Council asks people to have their say on shopping and leisure in the towns.

The council is making use of two empty units for a day this month as part of the consultation.

People are being asked what they think about the findings of an independent study, commissioned by the council, into the current and future retail and leisure needs of the borough.

The study stated that both Okehampton and Tavistock cater well for a diverse range of food shopping and the majority of residents in both towns are choosing to do most of their food shopping in the local area.

When it comes to non-food goods, the study found the majority of West Devon residents are shopping in larger towns and cities outside the borough, particularly for clothing and DIY items.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, chairman of the council's community services committee, said: 'This is all about retail habits so it makes perfect sense to ask people what they think while they're out shopping.

'We understand that there are many different views about shopping in the borough and we would encourage people to pop in, take a look at the findings of the study and tell us what they think.

'This consultation is all about giving residents the chance to comment on the independently produced retail study which aims to help inform important decisions on the future of shopping and leisure in our area.'

Residents can also speak to a strategic planning officer and have their say at drop-in sessions at the borough council's offices in Okehampton and Tavistock in November. 

Empty shop event dates:

n October 13 — 2 Eastside Stores (formerly Georgi M), Pannier Market, Tavistock,10am-3pm

n October 20 — 40 Red Lion Yard (formerly Honey Bea), Okehampton, 10am-3pm.

Drop-in events will take place from 10am to 1pm at the Okehampton Customer Service Centre and the council's Kilworthy Park offices in Tavistock on November 7 and November 14.

Residents can also fill out a questionnaire at Okehampton and Tavistock Town Council's offices