A BLUEPRINT for the future of Okehampton will be unveiled at a special event tomorrow (Friday). The Okehampton Area Market and Coastal Towns initiative (MCTi) will formally launch its Community Action Plan, entitled ?Looking Forward?, to guests in the Charter Hall. The MCTi partnership has brought together people from the local community to decide what is important for the future of Okehampton and surrounding area and what is feasible. The plan puts forward a range of proposals designed to improve the local economy and deliver long-term quality of life. Cllr Christine Marsh, Okehampton area MCTi chairman, said people should not see the launch of the plan as the end of the process. She said: ?This is just the start, now we have to try and draw funds down for these projects. ?When you go out to potential funders the first thing they ask is, ?Is this what the community wants?? and we can say ?Yes? because all these things are identified in the plan.? The MCTi will now turn to a variety of organisations for financial support to help them turn their ideas into reality. Proposals contained within the plan include the redevelopment of an old wool mill at North Tawton to provide office space for businesses, affordable housing and social facilities for local people. The plan also promotes the project to set up a commuter service between Okehampton and Exeter railway stations and improve connections with the national rail network. Cllr Marsh said the report had confirmed the need to address the aspirations of the young people of the town and identified that they wanted a youth café where they could meet their friends in the evening. The plan is the culmination of three years? work by members of the community and partners from local authorities and supporting agencies, including the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council and the local town and parish councils. Les Roper from the South West RDA, said: ?This is a significant milestone for people in the Okehampton area, and I congratulate the partnership on the hard work that has gone in to drawing up this plan. Communities across South West England know what?s best for them and thanks to MCTi, they can plan their own future and take part in ensuring the long-term economic prosperity of the region.? A reference copy of the plan will be available in Okehampton Library. If you would like further information about the plan you can get in touch with Chairman Cllr Christine Marsh, c/o the Devon Heartlands Trust, 12b The Square, North Tawton, EX20 2EP or telephone 01837 880119.