PEOPLE in Okehampton gave a thumbs up to a visionary plan for the East Ockment Valley, as they packed a public meeting in the town's Charter Hall last Thursday.

The meeting was called by mayor Christine Marsh, to explain a blueprint concept drawn up by local architect Peter Woodgate.

The ideas already have the backing of the town council, chamber of trade and Okehampton 2000.

Mr Woodgate's ideas include re-arranging the road system in the Mill area, creating an arena area on land approaching Ball Hill and a network of footpaths, 'multi-use greenways' and a footbridge over the East Ockment.

Mr Woodgate said: 'I have tried to bring together culture, education, sports and the natural beauty of the valley and cater for all the people.

'There is something in here for everybody, at whatever stage of life they are at.'

Mr Woodgate said the valley had to be protected for future generations

'Once again, we are looking for ideas from you, I am looking for new thinking.

'There are bound to be differences and frustrations but if everybody could be part of this and understand other people's points of view I think we may be able to get something that is super for the future,' he said.

Ian Bailey, chairman of the chamber of trade, said Mr Woodgate had done a 'marvellous job'.

'I have full-hearted support for a scheme which is going to preserve our natural heritage for future generations,' he said.

Stuart Lord of OCRA said: 'Anything that develops sport is a great help — I think it's a great development.'

Margaret Wonnacott said: 'This is a wonderful concept. In the past there was a lot of apathy in the town — now we have got this opportunity let's get our town back.'

Despite general approval of the idea, there were deep reservations over the proposal to site a temporary coach park in Mill Road.

Many people felt a temporary site could very easily become permanent, despite not being the best location.

Others were still concerned at the lack of parking in Okehampton.

Michael Ireland said many of the problems envisaged by people were dependent on vehicles.

'If you start to draw in vehicle, coach and car park needs, what is different about the town will be lost. I think we want to try and avoid that — this is a future scheme, look towards the future without relying so much on the car,' he said.

Okehampton College principal Philip Herriman urged caution until expansion plans for the school were decided.

'I have to safeguard the interests of the children. There will be major developments in that area — to agree to something which could impinge on that is going to be very delicate,' he said.

Ana Pultenay was concerned there should be enough parking for cyclists, attracted by the network of greenways proposed by Mr Woodgate.

Judy Pride of the Community Council of Devon suggested a town development trust could be founded provided people were enthusiastic about the basic concept. The trust could attract European and Objective 2 money to fund the ideas.

After the meeting, the mayor said she was 'thrilled' at the turnout.

'I was pleased at the cross section of people and the comments.

'The next step is to look at forming a development trust, to get the idea on the Local Plan, and get Highways to recognise Mill Road is very dangerous.

'We also have to look at the college site — it's a key area, it depends on where they are going to expand. It's very important because that is where our future generation is coming from.'