A SENSORY garden could be an 'important addition' to the town if given the go-ahead. Members of Tavistock Town Council's properties committee heard last Tuesday (May 27) of the proposal by the Rotary Club of Tavistock to install a garden. The club had been instrumental in Tavistock becoming the first Dementia Friendly town in the country and was itself the first Dementia Friendly Rotary Club in the country. Clive Fairchild, chair of community services committee within the Rotary Club, said: 'The idea of the garden started with a simple discussion — we were all conscious the club has been involved in Tavistock becoming a Dementia Friendly town, and we felt it was appropriate to have a lasting record of that somewhere in the town from the Rotary Club.' Councillors heard how the club proposed to work in partnership with the town council and any other relevant partner organisations to create the garden in an accessible area; that it will apply for an Awards for All grant citing the council's support and that the club agreed to maintain a sensory garden to a level mutually agreed with by the town council. Mr Fairchild added that the exact details of the garden was yet to be discussed, but that the project would reflect well on the town. 'There is every reason for the town to celebrate its positive approach towards dementia. 'A sensory garden is an excellent way to mark this success and it will be of benefit, not only to those with dementia, but also to those with a wide variety of other mobility problems. 'It will provide individuals with sensory opportunities that they may not normally experience — scent, sound, touch, vision and taste.' The mayor Cllr Harry Smith proposed the idea which was seconded by Cllr Brian Trew. Cllr Smith said: 'The Rotary Club will maintain the sensory garden once it is set up. I do believe it's an important addition for the town and will be used by a wider audience — it's a useful and positive thing to have in Tavistock.' • The recommendation to support and work in partnership with the Rotary Club to create a sensory garden was due to be ratified by the full council on Tuesday (June 3).