SHOPPERS in Tavistock are to be asked their views about the town in a new survey aimed at boosting business.
The survey, produced by traders' organisation Tavistock Action Group, should be distributed to shops in the town early in the New Year.
The idea was floated at the inaugural meeting of TAG in Tavistock last week when traders held a brainstorming session of ideas and suggestions.
Secretary of TAG Ian Mathew said information was the key to increased trade.
'The one thing that comes across to me is that we have got do do some kind of market research to find what the problem is.
'I do not think you can make any decisions unless you have some statistics and concrete evidence,' he said.
Some traders said they had noticed a decrease in the number of local people shopping in Tavistock over the years, as opposed to the people coming in from Plymouth.
A 'Buy in Tavistock' campaign was suggested, capitalising on the variety of individual shops in the town.
The meeting heard more use should be made of Bedford Square, whether it was street entertainment, market stalls or a pavement-style café.
Larry Lavigne said: 'You have to cater for the children — if you don't get them in, you don't get their parents.'
Chairman Eddie Carruthers said a brief questionnaire is now being drafted before the next TAG meeting.
'We've got to get people's reactions about exactly what is wrong with the town — we need to do something quite soon, but it's not exactly the right time of year to get it organised,' he said.
TAG intend the questionnaire to be short and easy to complete and, as an incentive, prizes will be on offer.
Roger James, vice-chairman of TAG , said: 'The returned leaflets will be put into a draw and prizes will be awarded to customers who include their names and addresses.'
The next TAG meeting will be held in the Royal British Legion Club in Tavistock on Tuesday December 21 at 7.30pm.