TAVISTOCK Town Council has paid tribute to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership which have helped make it possible for the rejuvenation of public spaces and historic buildings in the centre of town. Towards the end of 2013 proposals were announced to improve the look of Tavistock's streets and public spaces as part of a £2-million Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership. The partnership, which includes Tavistock Town Council, won an initial Heritage Lottery grant of £36,000 to develop the project in detail and the second stage of the bid is now ready to be submitted. Options considered for the scheme include the re-design of the Guildhall car park and Bank Square and work to eleven other historic buildings which require restoration or repair. The buildings identified in the scheme as critical include the pannier market and Butcher's Hall for roofing works. Under the terms of the scheme the landlords can apply for support to repair the buildings or to restore original features. Up to £980,000 has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project — this will be matched by local funding to provide a £2-million programme of grants for historically significant buildings and public spaces to be delivered over up to five years. On April 8, members of the properties committee at Tavistock Town Council heard that improvement works, which would have to be funded by the council, could be undertaken while the repair works were dealt with under the scheme. Areas identified for improvement in the council's role as land- owners are to de-clutter and resurface the pannier market and to reduce parking spaces in the Guildhall Car Park to either 19 or 21. This would make that area safer – especially for pedestrians, improve the size and quality of the parking bays, and enhance the aspect and appearance of an important listed building whilst retaining appropriate short stay parking provision. At the meeting mayor Cllr Harry Smith also suggested consideration be given to improving insulation in the pannier market and having appropriate doors put in place to maximise heat retention. Cllr John Sellis said: 'We are limited to what we can do as it's a listed building but I certainly think this should be investigated.' Cllr Ted Sherrell was also in agreement: 'The pannier market looks after us as an income to the town council, so we should look after it.' The committee recommended to support the resurfacing of the pannier market surround, to investigate an appropriate door system, Guildhall Car Park improvements, and to reduce the car parking spaces at the Guildhall. The recommendations were approved by full council last Tuesday (April 15). Town clerk Carl Hearn said he had yet to find another town council which has delivered a scheme on the same scale as the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme. 'It is most unusual for a town council to be the body tasked with delivering such a scheme and the council is very much looking forward to the opportunity to support and deliver such a significant architectural and economic regeneration project. 'This will deliver a major benefit for this town over the long term and demonstrates what can be achieved by a strong and united local partnership. 'The final decision on the scheme will be made by the Heritage Lottery Fund in the Autumn and, if successful, the scheme will become active toward the end of this year.' The project was subject to a public consultation at the end of last year which included a two-day exhibition in the town hall.