TAVISTOCK has been named as a Town Team partner and is set to receive a package of Government support and cash aimed at helping breathe new life into the town centre.

After missing out in the competition to become a 'Portas Pilot', where TV retail guru Mary Portas would have helped rejuvenate the main shopping area, Tavistock BID has gained special status and become a Town Team partner, following support from Geoffrey Cox MP.

As part of the scheme, Tavistock will receive £10,000 in Government cash along with access to expert advice from the Association of Town Centre Management and support from similar towns. 

The package will support some of the projects proposed in the original Portas Pilot application. They include setting up a support scheme to encourage market stallholders to grow from stall to high street shop locations, reducing vacancy rates and setting up an energy consortium to reduce energy costs.

The successful application was put together by Tavistock BID with strong support from key partners, including the town council, West Devon Borough Council and Transition Tavistock. As well as being a Town Team Partner, West Devon Borough Council will administer the project fund.

Mr Cox said he was impressed by the commitment and drive shown by those involved in this bid: 'I know without doubt the money will be put to good use and deliver further great benefits for our treasured market town.'

Tavistock BID manager Adam Fleet said: 'This is a clear demonstration of how, when those passionate about Tavistock come together, they can deliver some incredible results.'

West Devon Borough Council leader Cllr Philip Sanders said: 'This fits in well with the work we have been doing with the town council to develop a vision for the town.'

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Anne Johnson said the Town Team initiative represented a real opportunity for councils, the business community and partners to work together in the interests of Tavistock.

Transition Tavistock representative,Kate Royston, who also helped develop the application, said: 'This gives a welcome boost to our working together to take some of these ideas forward and strengthen our local economy.'