THE development of hundreds of new homes in Okehampton, the potential return on the railway and the successes of some of Okehampton's community groups were among the big talking points at this year's town assembly meeting.

The town council holds the assembly each year to actively engage with the people of the town, inviting them to listen to the latest workings of the council and find out more about what is going on in and around the town. 

The meeting gives the public the chance to ask questions in a less formal setting than the regular council meetings on Monday nights.

A number of Okehampton groups and organisations, including the likes of the Ockment Centre, the Okement Rivers Improvement Group, Room 13 and Community Links who have received grants from the town council over the last year gave short presentations on their work and how it has helped the community.

Around 30 people showed up for the meeting at the Charter Hall on Monday, though many of these were community group representatives or councillors.

Cllr Tony Leech said: 'It is pleasing to see so many new faces and this number of people, though we would have liked a few more.'

The council holds committee meetings on most Monday nights at Okehampton Town Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings and see the full workings of the council. For meeting agendas and more information visit http://www.okehampton.gov.uk">www.okehampton.gov.uk