AS MAYOR of Okehampton Christine Marsh prepares to start her second term of office she has one clear message for residents of the town — with people power we can achieve anything.

In a strong speech to the town assembly meeting on Monday Cllr Marsh, who was re-elected mayor, said what Okehampton needed was a little bit of tender loving care and not all the vast, expensive enhancement schemes being planned by West Devon Borough Council.

Referring to the enhancement designs by artist Ray Smith, who was commissioned by the borough council, Mrs Marsh said: 'Just because he has given us a concept and we comment on it, it does not mean we have to have it.

'If we do not want the same thing to happen to Okehampton as has happened to Tavistock with the Bedford Square enhancement then we have to speak out not sit back and whinge when it is too late.'

She said the ideas for Okehampton were being foisted upon the people.

'We never asked to get a very expensive artist in and do this — what we want is some practical help. If they continue with these plans it will ruin Okehampton.'

She said she would like to see some general improvement done to the town. 'It is amazing what you can do with a bit of paint and some tidying up. We have a lovely, beautiful town — all we need is for people to show some pride in it.'

Cllr Marsh said there was a lot of apathy in the town. With all the car parking problems due to the construction of the Waitrose supermarket people were finding it difficult to get motivated again.

'Anything is possible with people power,' she said. 'There is so much we can do if we work together as a community.

'Waitrose will bring a lot of people into the town and if we are not careful they will see we have not got very much to offer and not venture up into the town again.'

She said her aim was to make people more involved in what was happening in Okehampton and the town's future and that way they may take more pride in it.

The programme to improve the Okement rivers was a community-led initiative which the mayor is planning to expand on.

At the town's meeting Cllr Marsh was re-elected mayor by 10 votes to two. Former mayor Cllr Ray Vallance was also nominated for the position.

She said she was 'surprised and thrilled' to serve a second term: 'I must have been doing something right.'

In an unusual move a member of the public expressed his thanks to the mayor and councillors for doing such a good job this year.

'The mayor has made tremendous efforts and has been backed up by a splendid team of councillors,' said Ted Cann, secretary of Okehampton Rugby Club.

Addressing the council Mr Cann added: 'The time given up by you is absolutely considerable and you are committed to the town and the people.'

He made particular reference to support for the rugby club in its fight for better rate relief and other sporting organisations.

'We respect you for what you have done,' he said.