A VISION capitalising on Tavistock's unique historic buildings came in for warm praise at a meeting in the town last week.

The idea, which would see the Guildhall, police station and Court Gate cottage transformed to provide a themed tourist attraction, was put forward by deputy pannier market reeve Mike Souttar.

Court Gate cottage and Court Gate are owned by the town council — but the police station, one of the oldest police stations in the country, and historic Tavistock Guildhall, is owned by Devon and Cornwall Police Authority.

The police are keen to move to a new site, as the station is too small for their needs, and the Guildhall, which formerly housed the town's magistrates' court, is no longer used.

At a meeting of the town council's properties committee, Cllr Ted Sherrell said Mr Souttar should be congratulated for his imagination and ambition on behalf of the town.

'He has gone to great lengths to find a way of moving the town forward — I was very impressed and I do think he should be complimented — a lot of work has gone into his report,' said Cllr Sherrell.

Cllr Brian Trew said: 'One of the points that was made in the report was the slow dilapidation of these buildings.

'Can we not lean on the police authority to maintain them in the manner they should be?'

Cllr Trew asked if a letter could be sent to West Devon Borough Council, which under its planning and licensing powers, has a responsibility to ensure Listed buildings are cared for appropriately.

Cllr Mandy Govier said: 'There is a duty of care here.

'We are always doing repairs to Court Gate Cottage and sometimes, some of the problems have been caused through the police station site.'

Cllr Govier reminded the committee that the town council had contributed £5,000 towards a feasibility report concerning the Guildhall five years ago — yet no further action had been taken.

She said it was a 'beautiful building' which was being allowed to deteroriorate into a 'sorry state', and that West Devon's new conservation officer should be contacted regarding its condition.

Town clerk Roger Howard said purchase of the Guildhall could be an option for a community group or organisation under the new Sustainable Communities Act.

But Cllr Sherrell warned against the council considering such an undertaking.

'It would be horrendous,' he said.

'It would cost an absolutely huge amount to get it into reasonable condition.'

The committee agreed a letter regarding the Guildhall should be sent to West Devon Borough Council — members also felt a visit to see the building from the inside should be arranged.

The decision was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday.