MANY people have already had their say on shopping and leisure in Okehampton but there is still plenty of time to make your voice heard.

Residents and businesses are being asked what they think about the findings of an independent study, commissioned by West Devon Borough Council, into the current and future retail and leisure needs of the town.

A community consultation event held in an empty shop unit in Red Lion Yard earlier last month was well supported. The business community also had their say at an evening workshop in the town.

There has been some criticism that the study focuses too heavily on comparing Okehampton with Tavistock — a complaint voiced by town councillors in Okehampton at a meeting last week.

The borough council says the aim of the study is to understand the borough as a whole and how the two main towns are supporting the community of West Devon overall. Each town offers something different and the study has reflected this.

The borough council says it is now working with the individual towns to help take this work forward. It says there has been a lot of enthusiasm from local residents and businesses and people are encouraged to continue to get involved in the important issue.

There is still time for people in Okehampton to have their say. A strategic planning officer will be available to answer questions at the Okehampton Customer Services Centre on St James Street on November 7 and 14 between 10am and 1pm.

To view the consultation paper and to complete an online questionnaire visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning">www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning or contact the Strategic Planning Team on 01822 813600.

The consultation continues until November 23.