SENIOR citizens in Tavistock were this week celebrating a victory in their battle to save the town's much-loved rest room.

The old folks had been given notice to leave the rest room building in Brook Street by February 22 but there are now hopes that their stay can be extended.

News that Hunstrete Estates Ltd's appeal against the refusal of planning permission to demolish the building and build a retail shop in its place has been lost was greeted with surprise and delight by campaigners, including West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox: 'It is a real victory for the people of Tavistock and the many who use this facility.

'I am stunned because I did feel it was a done deal. I am delighted that the planning inspector has come to this conclusion. It is a complete vindication for the many hundreds of people who have protested and fought for this valuable community asset to remain.

'I hope that those responsible will think again about trying to preserve this rest room or a similar resource for the future.'

The rest room has been providing shelter and a meeting place in the centre of town for hundreds of elderly residents for more than 50 years.

There was a wave of opposition against the proposal but despite West Devon Borough Council's refusal there were doubts whether the planning inspector would reach the same decision as community issues do not usually over-ride material planning considerations.

Planning inspector Neil Pope said the loss of the rest room would 'deprive a large and growing section of the community of a valuable facility and would seriously harm the social well-being of many residents'.

He said there was a great weight of evidence from the local community to demonstrate that the meeting room was of considerable importance to the elderly: 'Moreover, the central location is a reminder to all that these important citizens are to be welcomed and adequately catered for in our town centres.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell said the news was as welcome as it was unexpected: 'I hope that it will be possible for people to continue using the present rest room at least for the immediate future.

'It appears that the planning inspector agrees with the majority of the people of Tavistock and the surrounding area that this wonderful facility is more important than any retail shop.'

But chairman of the rest room committee Yvonne Meneer said it could only be considered half a victory: 'We are still under notice to quit by February 22 and as we have not heard from Hunstrete we have to make sure we go by that date.'

Tavistock Town Council has been been paying a peppercorn rent on the building since it entered a lease agreement with Hunstrete many years ago, but a break clause in the lease means that the owner has a legal right to give notice to quit.

Town clerk Roger Howard said he hoped the town council could negotiate with Hunstrete so the old folks could stay on a bit longer.

The town council has submitted a planning application to change the old photographer's shop at Court Gate into a restroom for the elderly. Tavistock Area Support Services has also offered use of its facilities at the Ancourage Centre on three mornings a week.

Agent for Hunstrete David Mills said he was surprised at the inspector's decision and would be discussing the options about what to do next with his clients.