CARAVANS could be allowed to use Tavistock Meadows as a temporary site during eclipse week in August.

The radical idea would give town trade a boost as thousands of visitors are expected to pour into the West Country for the event.

Accommodation for visitors is expected to be at a premium with many campsites in Cornwall already booked.

Ken Sanders, chairman of Tavistock Town Council's properties committee chairman feels the idea should be considered.

He said: 'Certainly, going back some years we used to use the Meadows to park up a lot of the Showman's Guild caravans for Goose Fair.

'It's something that bears investigating at least to see what the possibilities are.'

And Mr Sanders said it could mean a financial boost for the council.

Deputy mayor Harry Smith agreed the idea was worth discussion.

He said: 'I haven't got a problem with it.

'We know there are going to be so many people in the South West then — hopefully they would buy from the local shops.'

But Councillor Betty Batchelor was cautious about using the Meadows for camping.

She said: 'I wouldn't be against it provided sufficient charge was made to cover cleaning and usage of the Meadows.

'It would have to be very well regulated and whether it would be just for tents or caravans would be a very debatable point.'

Mrs Batchelor said it would be a good thing to attract people to Tavistock this summer but questioned the suitability of the town's park.

'There are other places that might be easier to adapt than the Meadows,' she said.

Councillor Ted Sherrell was also dubious about the idea, although he welcomed any scheme which could generate funds for the council.

'These proposals will need very serious consideration. Where are these caravans to be sited? If on grass, what happens if it rains? What about the health and environmental aspects, toilet, washing facilities and so on? These are only some of the problems which need addressing,' he said.

Mr Sherrell also pointed out the eclipse occurs in the middle of the school holidays, when families and children would want to use the open space in the Meadows.

The eclipse — the first in Britain for 72 years — takes place on Wednesday, August 11, at 11.30am, when total darkness in Tavistock will last for 40 seconds.

Town clerk Roger Howard confirmed use of the Meadows by campers would be included as part of general discussions about the eclipse and its impact on Tavistock at the next finance and general purposes committee meeting on February 16.