TWO new faces will be helping to make important decisions for Tavistock after being co-opted onto the town council at a meeting last week.

The council was looking to fill the positions of two councillors for the South West Ward and one for the North Ward.

Four applicants attended the full council meeting last week to introduce themselves and give a brief talk to councillors. After a secret ballot, David Rose and Julia Whitcomb were welcomed onto the council.

Cllr Rose, for the South West Ward, said in his presentation: 'I believe Tavistock is a happy and enjoyable place to live in and I would like to be part of keeping it that way.'

Now retired and a volunteer with the RNIB, Cllr Rose said he hoped to contribute to sustainable and continued employment in the town as well as help to maintain Tavistock's portfolio of unique buildings.

Cllr Julia Whitcomb has lived in Tavistock for more than 40 years, with both her sons attending schools in the town. She has been running a stall in the pannier market for 20 years and is an active member of the community. She told the council: 'I am very passionate about Tavistock and would like to help preserve it in these difficult times.'

Applicants needed more than 50% of councillors' votes to be co-opted onto the council which meant the other two applicants, Jeffrey Moody and Jeffrey Stackhouse, were unsuccessful this time.

The council will re-advertise to fill the remaining position for a South West Ward councillor.