TAVISTOCK’S central car park is scheduled to close for four months to allow for improvement works.

The guildhall short stay car park will be closed from Sunday (January 12) to approximately mid-May in order to create a new car parking layout and pedestrian routes, a formation of a public space around the war memorial and the repositioning of the Grade II Listed Duke of Bedford statue.

Currently the short stay car park provides 30 parking spaces, one motorcycle space and three disabled parking spaces. Under the new plan, the car spaces would be reduced to 19 and disabled spaces increased to four. Motorcycle bays would be unchanged.

The works are being undertaken by local contractor RM Builders on behalf of Tavistock Town Council.

The design follows discussions with the local planning authority and Historic England, together with public consultations previously undertaken as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme which is funding the improvements.

The works will address concerns regarding the safety of the car park for pedestrian users and bring it up to date to comply with modern car parking standards.

Copies of the plans are available for inspection on the West Devon Borough Council website.

A Tavistock Town Council spokesperson said: ‘The improvements will provide a better and safer area for use by both vehicles and pedestrians and the council apologises for any inconvenience caused during the temporary closure’.

The nearest alternative car park is located across the river at Abbey Place.