More than 40 people from all walks of life took part in a workshop to come up with ideas about how the public open spaces in the historic heart of Tavistock should look in the future.

The event on September 25 at Tavistock Town Hall was part of a £2-million project to rejuvenate the town centre and boost the local economy.

The Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership, which includes West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council, community organisations and local businesses, won an initial Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £36,000 in April this year.

If successful, the second bid will unlock another grant, taking the total lottery funding to £1-million with hopes of a further £1-million from investment by businesses and organisations by 2019.

The workshop, which was open to everyone, was hosted by Sophie Thompson from consultants LDA Design.

She explained how the Townscape investment could transform the commercial heart of Tavistock, addressing the needs of local businesses, owners of historical properties and the local community.

Delegates were shown examples of successful schemes elsewhere, and asked what they liked about Tavistock and what they thought could be improved.

Despite the rain, the group went on a tour of the key sites likely to be included in the project — Bank Square and Market Street, Guildhall Square and the area around the pannier market.

Among those who attended were six students from Tavistock and Kelly Colleges, local business people, town, borough and county councillors, officers and local residents.

LDA Design will report back in around a month with some outline ideas and options for further workshops.

Anyone unable to attend the workshop can have their say by contacting Robert Plumb on 01822 813620 or email [email protected]">[email protected]