A MEMORIAL tree to commemorate the life and work of one of Tavistock's most prominent citizens in recent years will this year be planted in the town's central park.

Members of Tavistock Town Council, which owns the Meadows, last week heard that several areas of the park were currently being renovated.

The renovation would include the re-planting of six, semi-mature trees, in the area near the tennis courts. It had been suggested that one of these could be a memorial to former mayor and honoured burgess Gill Gorbutt, who died last year.

Cllr Harry Smith told members of the council's properties committee that in his view, a small garden would be a fitting way to honour her memory.

Cllr Smith said: 'Anyone who knew her would be aware of the amount of work she put into this town.

'She worked tirelessly for many organisations, and as a body which represents Tavistock, we should honour Gill for the work she did by creating one area as a memorial garden for her.'

Cllr John Sellis agreed with the idea — but said he had reservations about the principle.

He said: 'There are a lot of other councillors who perhaps deserve a memorial — how many memorials are we going to have? The whole Meadows could end up with little plaques all over it.

'Although I agree something ought to be done, I think having a memorial garden is probably a garden too far.'

Town mayor Cllr Mandy Govier told members at this week's full meeting of the council that she had recently been in contact with Mrs Gorbutt's daughter, Emma.

Cllr Govier said it was felt that Mrs Gorbutt would have preferred the idea of a tree and a simple granite plaque, rather than a formal garden.

'She would probably have liked a herb garden, but formal flowers weren't Gill,' said Cllr Govier, who said a flowering cherry tree had been suggested by works superintendent Wayne Southall.

'Maybe it would be nice to ask Emma and her brother where they would like it to go — I know Emma will be thrilled at the idea of a plaque and tree.'

The proposal was backed unanimously by the council. The site of the tree and plaque will be negotiated with Mrs Gorbutt's family.