DEVON County Council's highways' chief Stuart Hughes has offered to visit Tavistock to discuss proposals to introduce on-street parking charges throughout the town centre.

The proposals sparked outrage among those who attended an extraordinary meeting of the town council earlier this month. As a result of the meeting, the council has written to the county urging it to abandon the scheme.

The consultation period regarding the proposals has now been extended until January 7 — and Cllr Hughes is due to visit the town on January 4.

County councillor Debo Sellis, who urged the councillor to come to Tavistock, said: 'There is a feeling in the town that there has not been enough information about the proposals.

'I believe people should be able to take an informed decision on what is being proposed and I am delighted Stuart Hughes has agreed to come and hold discussions with the town council, along with Devon's head of transport Lester Wilmington.

Cllr Sellis said she would ensure the views of residents and businesses were made known at County Hall.

She said it was important to know how many parking meters were being proposed, what they will cost and what the overall cost of the scheme would be.

'Tavistock is the gateway to a World Heritage site and I have the conservation of the town very much at heart.

'I will be working with the county archaeologist and with English Heritage to safeguard the jewel that is Tavistock.

'For example we need to know where it is proposed to site these machines and be assured their positioning will not have a negative impact and to be absolutely sure that they won't damage any of the historic fabric of the town installing them.'

Cllr Sellis, who supported the introduction of pay and display on-street parking in Tavistock in a county meeting in the autumn, said she was very keen for the county and West Devon Borough Council to look at all parking in Tavistock.

'I think we should review residents' parking, pay and display and off-street parking,' she said.

'Perhaps West Devon might reduce off-street parking charges which could encourage more visitors and actually boost their car park income by increasing the throughput.'

Cllr Hughes, Devon's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'I have made it clear throughout this process that I want to work with communities.

'I am happy to join Debo Sellis in meeting with Tavistock Town Council if they want me to do so.

'I am also more than happy if they want to invite representatives of the chamber of commerce to come along to the public part of the meeting so we can have a wider discussion.'