PEOPLE are being urged to join a public meeting in Tavistock next week, where they can get behind a major new bid for lottery cash which could help to rejuvenate the historic town centre.

West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council are planning to bid for up to £1-million from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI.)

A further £1-million would come from the councils, local partners and businesses looking to improve their historic properties and public spaces.

Well-known historic buildings in Tavistock could be restored, if the bid is successful, including the old police station and the Guildhall. Market Street and King Street could also get some investment.

Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership, made up of local councillors, businesses and residents, is submitting the bid.

John Taylor, chairman of the partnership said: 'It's really very exciting — we're talking a million pounds — and we think the chances are really quite high that we will get it.

'It's an exciting project for the regeneration of Tavistock's wonderful town centre — it will boost the town, hopefully draw more tourists in and businesses will benefit.'

Nigel Eadie, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, said: 'This is a great initiative and a huge amount of work has gone into this over the last 18 months.

'If we get this funding, and there's no reason why we shouldn't, it will mean some of the buildings that are in pretty poor condition can be restored to their former glory, and this would also give local skilled people the opportunity to get involved.

'The group that have worked on this have done a really good job and it shows how well local organisations can work together with the council to put together a really strong and convincing application.'

Mr Eadie urged residents and anyone interested in Tavistock and its history to attend the meeting, see the proposals and how they could affect the 'unique' architecture of the town.

Some big projects being investigated include re-roofing of the pannier market and works to the auction rooms to make a more viable and productive commercial space.

But individual businesses and property owners could also benefit through grants to restore shop fronts or bring vacant upper floors back in to use.

People are being encouraged to find out more about the lottery bid at a public meeting at Tavistock Town Hall at 5.30pm on Monday, August 20.

The event will provide local residents and businesses with more detail and allow them to have their say on the proposals.  

The application to the Heritage Lottery Fund is due to be made this October. If successful, the project would start in 2014 and last for five years.