YELVERTON roundabout could be given a new lease of life if residents and businesses are agreeable to plans by a West Devon business.

British Beds Worldwide Ltd (BBW), based at Yelverton Business Park, is currently holding an informal public consultation to get ideas of how to improve the look of Yelverton roundabout.

The company recently agreed to cover the cost of maintenance and planting for Buckland Monachorum Parish Council, which is responsible for the upkeep of the roundabout.

Roger Charles, a director at BBW, said: 'We decided when we first moved here that where possible we would try to give back to the community.

'Roundabout sponsor-ship is increasingly popular these days and we thought Yelverton roundabout is looking a bit tired and neglected, so we offered to take over the maintenance costs.

'We also donated money towards Christmas lights for the tree on the roundabout and we are in the process of getting the signpost restored.'

Mr Charles said the company wanted to engage with the local community to give ideas as to how to improve the look of it.

'People's views probably range from "leave it alone" to "make it memorable and help promote tourism".

'In France nearly every village roundabout has a quirky signature sculpture that fixes it, and the village, in travellers' memories.

'Would Yelverton residents and businesses like this?' said Mr Charles.

The company is inviting local residents and businesses to submit their ideas and suggestions as to whether they would like the roundabout to remain completely natural as it is at present, or to become a feature — which Mr Charles said might encourage travellers to stop for a while and use the local shops and hostelries.

Two ideas already received by the company include a wildflower meadow and a raised flower 'bed' that is dressed seasonally with new blooms to look like changing bedcovers.

The company's own idea is to possibly erect a sculpture which represents the village.

Towards the end of January, the company will put all the affordable ideas and suggestions it receives forward to the parish council for consideration before the company takes them public.

Mr Charles added: 'If we detect a desire for things to be done differently, we'll gladly act accordingly.

'We have already invited local people to restore the old roundabout sign.

'We hope our neigh-bours will respond positively to these invitations as we do not wish to upset anyone if we can avoid it, and it could be a lot of fun for as many people as possible to feel involved in the care of quite a well-known landmark.'

Buckland Monachorum Parish Council was delighted to accept the company's offer of maintaining the roundabout.

Parish clerk Debbie Ashton said: 'We were delighted to accept the offer and sincerely thank Roger Charles for his support.

'The parish council still cuts the grass as usual but now BBW covers the costs, which is about £500 a year.

'BBW always keeps in touch with the parish council about any plans it has for the roundabout. Like every other small rural parish council in the country with limited funds, contributions like this, which help support the facilities the parish council is responsible for, are gratefully received on behalf of parishioners.

'The parish council is very excited that a local business is keen to contribute to and support activities within the parish. We look forward to continuing this local partnership and very much hope to build more partnerships like this with the local business community in the future.'

Suggestions can be dropped off at the BBW showroom or post them to British Beds Worldwide Limited, 1-2 Moorside Court, Yelverton Business Park, Yelverton, PL20 7PE. Suggestions should be in by the end of February, as the company is hoping to start the project in the summer.