TESCO and Marchfield Properties are inviting the community to a public exhibition this month to talk about proposals to convert the former Focus DIY in Plymouth Road, Tavistock, to a new Tesco supermarket.

The consultation events, one of which will be in the old Focus building itself, are taking place ahead of a planning application being submitted.

Corporate affairs manager at Tesco Melanie Chiswell said: 'We are still at the early stages and it is important that we speak to the local community about our plans for the site.

'It is our intention to use the existing building for the Tesco store, making some improvements to its appearance in order to make it welcoming for customers and local residents.

'The store will mainly sell food, along with essentials such as health and beauty products, baby products, toiletries and pet food, and a selection of magazines and newspapers.'

Planning permission will be needed to allow Tesco to sell groceries and household products from the site and for the former garden centre area to be converted to provide car parking spaces for customers.

The exhibitions are taking place on Tuesday, April 16 at the former Focus DIY store, Plymouth Road Retail Park from 3pm to 8pm and Wednesday, April 17 at Tavistock Town Hall from 3pm to 8pm.

Representatives of both Tesco and Marchfield Properties, as well as a team of consultants, will be on hand at the exhibition to answer any questions residents might have.