NEW signs aimed to increase footfall up some of Tavistock town centre’s side streets were completed this week and seem to be doing their job already.

The initiative by Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District) saw three black metal signs put up — one on the corner of West Street and Market Street, on the wall in Pepper Street and one on the corner of Brook Street and Market Road.

The frames have been in position for a week or so but on Monday the sign inserts were put into position.

The signs were part of the original BID business plan and have been in the pipeline for nearly two years.

BID manager Lisa Piper said: ‘The signage was in the original business plan and they were voted for by the businesses. We’ve been really excited about it and it’s been a long time coming — we’ve been working on it for about two years with a variety of groups such as the conservation officer, Devon County Council, the Highways department, Tavistock Town Council, everybody has been involved. It has been a long process but it will be worth it.

‘The signs are to show case what is on offer up the side streets in the town, such as up Paddons Row and Pepper Street.

‘We are hoping that they will help with footfall, especially now we have a lot more visitors coming into the town because of BID’s £2 parking scheme.’

Lisa said as the signs were going in on Monday, a couple stopped to read one and decided to go to a nearby café that was mentioned on the sign that they had not realised was there before.

The sign located on the corner of Brook Street was placed in situ to help stop the problem of vehicles parking on the pavement and will be joined by a bench in the next couple of weeks for weary shoppers to rest their legs.

Tavistock BID comprises town centre businesses that put funds into a levy used to enhance the town centre and pay for improvements as agreed in the voted-for BID business plan.