AN exciting new development to open a venue similar to the much loved Old Folk's Rest Room in Tavistock is in the pipeline.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) and Tavistock Town Council have this week confirmed they are in discussions on a joint scheme, which would be based right in the centre of Tavistock. 

The original facility in Duke Street was established to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, but moved to the Anchorage Centre in 2009 due to difficulties with the lease for their premises.

Andy Lyle, TASS manager, said: 'It is fitting that Tavistock Town Council and TASS are in negotiation to provide a new facility in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year.

'It's early days, but exciting days. We still have to put a lot of flesh on the bones, but we are hoping to provide a complete central information centre for older people there.'

Mr Lyle said there was no timescale for the venture as yet, as the town council had yet to discuss the moves fully. Funding would also have to be sought for the project.

The location being considered is the premises currently occupied by clothes shop Jelly, on the perimeter of the pannier market. Owned by the town council, it has disabled facilities, and is located not far from the original premises.

Mr Lyle said the Old Folk's Rest Room provided a welcome facility where older members of the community could stop for a cuppa or to meet friends.

He added: 'Whilst there is still this provision at the Anchorage Centre,  space is limited and for many older people it is too far from the town centre to be convenient and accessible.

'A more central site could therefore improve access to the service, allow increased opening and create more space at the TASS offices for other community uses.'

Mr Lyle said the new provision would be 'unique' and could be a fantastic facility for an area with such a substantial number of older people.

Diane Nancholas, chairman of TASS, said: 'Since the closure of the Old Folk's Rest Room, TASS has tried hard to fill the gap by opening the upper lounge at the Anchorage Centre as a short-term solution to the problem.

'TASS is very pleased to be working alongside Tavistock Town Council with a view to setting up a centrally located facility within Tavistock'.

Town mayor Cllr Anne Johnson said: 'I am delighted that we are working together with TASS to look at ways of reinstating this much needed and popular facility in the centre of Tavistock.'

Town clerk Carl Hearn said: 'In an ideal world, TASS and Tavistock Town Council would have very much have liked to use the original building, but  we are working together to find a really good alternative location to best meet the needs of the community, whilst only a stone's throw from the old premises.'

Mr Hearn said the project was due to go before councillors in September. Should members give it the thumbs up, planning permission for change of use would also have to be sought from West Devon Borough Council.