OKEHAMPTON is on the way up and the town council plans to be at the forefront of its regeneration — that was the message from Cllr Christine Marsh at the mayor choosing ceremony last Wednesday.
She said the council would work in partnership and adhere to a revolutionary performance plan which set out numerous objectives over the next five years.
Cllr Marsh, elected for a fourth term, said Okehampton was a town that people were talking about in a very positive way and it was important to keep that going.
Although the year saw many tragic events, namely the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, the effects of which were still being felt across the world, and the foot and mouth crisis, there had been a lot of good things happening for Okehampton.
'We have a cycle track almost completed, that has been described as one of the most beautiful sections of the National Cycle Network in the country, viaducts, woods, farmland and moor — outstanding scenery which us drawing people into this area and boosting our economy,' she said.
As well as £2-million for the college to build a new technology block, the Ockment Centre was only the second project in the country to receive a 'Doorstep Greens' grant to create a community garden, the museum was working hard to match a Heritage Lottery grant to expand and develop, and the town was on the brink of the new sports centre and swimming pool bid being given the go-ahead.
'On top of this, Simmons Park is receiving a facelift with a Heritage Lottery grant and our aim is to gain Registered Park Status which will protect it like a listed building,' she said.
One of the things the town council would be fighting for this year was to make sure the infrastructure was in place to cope with the 800 new homes planned for the town.
Councillors had signed a code of conduct to make them more accountable and open and were one of the first in the country to produce a performance plan, setting out their vision and objectives over the next five years.
Cllr Marsh said: 'We have 24 bullet points and it is all there in black and white so if we do not achieve what we say we will, the people of the town can hold us to account.
'It is vital we work together with the chamber of trade, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, the county and district councils, the college, Dartmoor Railway and the business community to make this town prosperous and sustainable.
'We need to get more young people interested in the town council and support the older generations. It is time to move forward but we must do it with an open mind.'
New deputy mayor Cllr Tony Leech referred to Cllr Marsh as the 'Robin Hood of Okehampton' because of the good she did on behalf of the community.
'If there is a good cause or injustice she is not afraid to put her head above the parapet for anyone,' he said. 'She has worked tirelessly and has done a wonderful job for this town.'