THE enthusiastic new landlord of the Red Lion Yard in Okehampton is determined to see it develop into a vibrant shopping area which is the 'heartbeat' of Okehampton.

Optometrist Angus McPhie, who owns a chain of opticians, said he wanted to build on what had been achieved in the past by previous landlord Eddie Hawkins who had made great changes since the late 1970s.

'When I first came to Okehampton there were no flats in Red Lion Yard and Charter Place did not exist,' he said. 'Now Mr Hawkins has decided to go into retirement mode I want to build on the good things that have happened.'

The new landlord and the yard's new managing agent Nigel Bishop have already met with traders to find out what their most important priorities are for the future. Mr McPhie is keen to involve town leaders and organisations in discussing the future of the arcade.

Security, cleanliness and concerns about skateboarding in the arcade and health and safety are immediate issues that are being addressed but Mr McPhie is also looking long term.

'We are looking at ways of improving the walkway through Red Lion Yard and enhancing the appearance of it from the Waitrose side,' he said.

'We are also hoping to market and advertise the yard in other towns.

'Okehampton is entering a new era. Developing the yard is all about attracting more business and visitors to the town as much as it is making it pleasant for local people and the traders and residents.'

Mr McPhie is creating a strong team with representatives from the flats and shops to enhance the yard to the benefit of everybody.

'I will be talking to the town mayor and others to see how we can take the yard forward into the future and make it the heartbeat of Okehampton,' he said.

Children's events and outdoor markets are some of the issues that will be discussed to provide plenty of interest to shoppers and visitors. A roof over the yard, which is home to 15 shops and 20 flats, is one of the ideas that has been mentioned and town architect Peter Woodgate's enhancement plan for the yard will also be put into the melting pot.

Tim Hennessey of Westcountry Fruit and Veg, which is an 18-year-old established business in Red Lion Yard, said he welcomed the new input.

'Mr McPhie and Mr Bishop are very willing to meet with us if we have any problems and we are currently talking with them to see how we can make the yard brighter and more attractive,' he said.

'I would like to see a roof over the yard which would enable more food outlets to set up with chairs and tables outside but that would cost a fortune — unfortunately everything comes down to cost in the end.'

Margot Arts, who runs three businesses in Red Lion Yard, said some fresh ideas were a good thing.

'We need new ideas in this very important shopping area of Okehampton,' she said.