THE idea of a park warden who could become the eyes and ears of the Meadows in Tavistock is to be further investigated, following a meeting in the town last week.

Cllr Sue Bailey, chairman of the town council's properties committee, initially suggested the idea in the summer.

She told members: 'I have made a few enquiries and found that several councils now employ park wardens.

'My idea is that the warden would make sure the park was clean, tidy and safe to use — however, the scope of the duties could be much wider, to be the ears and eyes of the park, and to encourage activities, which may encourage a sense of responsibility and ownership of the park.'

Cllr Bailey said she wanted to encourage more people, of all ages and walks of life, to feel comfortable about using the park.

'I have heard of people who won't let their children go in there, and of older people who don't use it because they feel threatened by groups of youngsters — I went in there the other day and there were youngsters in there smoking and just lying around and there was litter all around them,' she said.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said in principle, he thought the idea of a park warden was a good one, but it needed careful investigation, in terms of the financial implications.

Town mayor David Whitcomb thought the suggestion a good one which should be 'strongly considered' by the council.

Cllr Debo Sellis said the Meadows was a large area to cover and the proposal needed 'terribly careful' consideration.

If the post were to be covered by the existing staff in the works department, it could be interpreted that they did not have enough to do at present, which she did not believe to be a true reflection of the situation.

And Cllr David Best was opposed to the idea. He said he walked through the Meadows at least twice a day and the only time litter was a problem was first thing in the morning, overnight or at weekends, before the staff had been in to clean up.

Cllr Best said: 'I think it would be a waste of money. You can't have someone there 24-hours a day.'

Cllr Best also felt that problems regarding behaviour in the Meadows were being exaggerated.

'I really don't recognise your description of what goes on in there,' he said. 'Elderly people go in there every day.'

Members agreed the idea should be brought back to a further meeting of the committee for further consideration.