THE Meadows in Tavistock will be a top priority in the coming year, according to new town mayor Cllr David Whitcomb, who was sworn in last week.

Cllr Whitcomb said it was 'a wonderful opportunity' to be mayor of Tavistock, a town of which he was very proud.

'I have been lucky enough to raise my family in this wonderful place,' he said.

Cllr Whitcomb said he would love to see a formal garden created in the Meadows, for which he would look to his fellow councillors for support.

He predicted a busy year for the town council, with the Tour of Britain arriving in the town in September.

'This will be very exciting and very good for the people of the town,' said Cllr Whitcomb, who also looked forward to further debate regarding West Devon's core strategy — the development blueprint for the area drawn up by the borough council, covering the next 16 years.

Cllr Mandy Govier, who handed over the role to Cllr Whitcomb, said her successor had been an excellent deputy.

'He is a strong character, a very fair man. I know he will lead this council in an extremely dignified way — I hope he really enjoys his year,' said Cllr Govier, who thanked her fellow councillors and staff for their help and support during the last 12 months.

She said she was 'really pleased' that the new Courtlands Road play park had come to fruition during her term as mayor, and she was looking forward to seeing a BMX track completed in the Meadows.

'I am very proud of Tavistock and I will never stop working hard for the town.'

Cllr Govier said it should be allowed to thrive and grow in a natural way.

She said she had 'kept her mouth firmly shut' on the core strategy issue for the last two years while serving as deputy mayor and mayor.

'From tonight I can say exactly what I wish to say and I look forward to being able to do so,' she said.

Cllr Robin Pike thanked Cllr Govier for her hard work during the last year: 'She has been outstanding, conducting meetings in a fair manner, advising when necessary, letting things flow until a decision is made — she has handled public questions admirably.'

Cllr Pike said Cllr Govier had faced a difficult year in her other role as chairman of Tavistock College's governing body — but she had 'got stuck in' and showed huge commitment, giving excellent service to the town, with the support of her partner Danny and daughter Alice.

'Tavistock expected — and the duty was admirably carried out — well done, Mandy,' said Cllr Pike.

Cllr Philip Sanders becomes Tavistock's new deputy mayor.

Cllr Sanders predicted a 'hard year for everyone in public service'. He said he 'strongly disagreed' with parts of the core strategy and predicted controversy ahead, in the light of a changing political scene.

He said Tavistock, with its unique buildings and historic significance, should have a clear vision for its preservation and development, which would be a personal aim for the coming year.