TAVISTOCK's eye-catching mural in Taylor Square, created to mark the Armada 400 celebrations in 1988, is to be scrapped.

The huge wall painting was commissioned by West Devon Borough Council to commemorate Tavistock's links with the famous seafarer Sir Francis Drake, who was born at Crowndale.

But over the years the condition of the mural, which depicts Drake's favourite fighting ship, the galleon HMS Revenge, has deteriorated.

An extensive restoration costing more than £3,000 was carried out on the painting in 1997 and at that time, artist Janet Shearer advised the council that any further restoration would not be practical.

Now the council has decided to call time on the mural.

Cllr Dick Eberlie, chairman of the council's policy and resources committee, said: 'This is very sad, but not unexpected news.

'The mural has been a great feature and attraction in Tavistock and has been admired by many. Unfortunately, it has run its life and the experts tell us it will not take any further restoration. There is little we can do.'

The painting will be removed during the next few weeks and the wall will be restored and redecorated.

Tavistock's deputy mayor Cllr Jenny Metcalf said it was 'very sad' to think the mural had to go: 'It's a great pity, it's one of those things that enrich Tavistock's townscape. Murals are so interesting — Tavistock has such a rich history and major things do need remembering.'

The news that the mural is to go received a thumbs down from traders in the Taylor Square area.

Francis Jasper, landlord of the Union Inn which faces the mural, said: 'This landmark is visited by hundreds of holidaymakers throughout the year, summer and winter, photographing the ship and the viaduct — it's a shame to see it go.'

Mr Jasper said if more money had been regularly spent on the upkeep of the mural, perhaps it could have remained as the local landmark it had become.

Val Kiely, of Kilworthy Kapers in Taylor Square, said: 'It's an asset to the town and they really have neglected it. I think if they'd given it a good clean and varnish annually they could have saved it.

'It's in all the guide books — last weekend there were a load of people looking at it, they were standing amongst a lot of rubbish, looking up at this piece of art and you could almost see them saying "What a shame".'

Rupert Mostyn, of Big Wide Bay Gallery, which overlooks the mural, said: 'It will leave a huge open space — something attractive there would be using that space and it would also bring people up to this end of town.'

He said Tavistock, given its history and beautiful setting, would easily provide artists with inspiration to create an artistic landmark in the area.

West Devon's arts officer Eleanor Butland said the council would love to hear from local artists who have particular ideas for Tavistock, or any other area of the borough.

Miss Butland said: 'We are open to suggestions from artists or community groups — we are definitely interested in hearing from people.'