ANOTHER summer of roadworks in Okehampton will be 'a short term problem for a long term gain' declared the town's chamber of trade chairman Ian Bailey at the organisation's AGM last week.

Mr Bailey, who was elected as chairman for the fifth year running, said he was very much looking forward to the coming year because of the major improvement plans by local architect Peter Woodgate for West Street/Fore Street.

'At last we have an enhancement scheme that will really enhance Okehampton, using its existing atmosphere and history,' he said.

'It has taken a local man's foresight, talent and love of the town to bring this to fruition.

'It means an upheaval for businesses for the third year running but this is a short-term problem for a long-term gain.'

The plans by Mr Woodgate including soft and hard landscaping features, street lighting and sculpture and artwork to reflect the town history.

He is also proposing to open up river views after concerns that the town is not making the most of this attractive asset.

The £300,000 scheme will be funded by European 5B money which has to be used by the end of September.

At a recent public meeting, there was overwhelming support for the project, but some traders were worried that another summer of roadworks in Okehampton would finish off their businesses.

But Mr Bailey said, in general, businesses had reported good trading last year despite roadwork disruption from South West Water and Cable and Wireless.

'The town seems to have come through fairly unscathed,' he said. 'From the reports I have got we seem to have got a fair share of visitors to the town.'

The chairman said the chamber prided itself on its promotional literature and this year had produced 30,000 promotional leaflets and 8,000 town guides.

The idea to give out a welcome pack introducing new residents to Okehampton was really taking off, with lots of businesses wanting to become involved, he said.

Encouraging more businesses to join the chamber was a priority this year, the plan being to boost the number of paying members from 69 to 90 .

Mr Bailey said the fees were being kept at the same rate this year to attract more members.

'We have a lively core of people but we need an infusion of young blood to keep it going, he said.

'The chamber is a vital pressure group for all businesses in the town.'

Ian Rudd, commercial manager for Dartmoor Bailey, said Okehampton Chamber of Trade was a wonderful example of people working together for the benefit of each other.

Mr Rudd, who came to Okehampton to work last year, said what the chamber seemed to achieve was tremendous.

'The Christmas lights are the best I have seen in any town for a long, long time and the hanging baskets during the summer were stunning,' he said.

'I would like to congratulate the chamber on its achievements.'