A NEW system of parking permits is due to begin in Tavistock's historic pannier market, as major building works are set to start next month.
The refurbishment of the Victorian market hall includes installation of new toilet and baby-changing facilities, washrooms and the opening up of the eastern end of the market.
The new parking system will be controlled by the market reeve. Only limited parking will be available for traders and residents during the building works, so a permit system based on need is to be introduced.
Town clerk Roger Howard told a recent meeting of the council's properties committee that he had met the contractors and discussed the parking issue.
Col Howard said: 'It appears we may be able to make available probably more than 25 spaces. It's not going to be quite as bad as we thought to begin with.'
Cllr Ted Sherrell welcomed the 'well-thought out' reeve-operated system and urged members to back it.
Under the new system, traders, shopkeepers and residents will have to apply to the market reeve, justifying their need for a permit. Appeals will be dealt with by the pannier market sub-committee.
Cllr Judith Williams stressed that Bedford Square was available for loading and unloading at the beginning and end of the day.
'I think this is something that should be reinforced,' she said.
The refurbishment works will restore the building to its original Victorian design, preparing the way for easy flow of shoppers through the market to the shops at the far end.
The shops themselves are due to be refurbished later this year.
Local builder Terry Cundy has won the contract for the first phase of work, which carries a £120,000 price tag.
Construction is due to begin on April 8 and continue until July 22. Major disruption will be avoided and the market will be open for trade as normal throughout the refurbishment programme.