TWO candidates will go head to head in the Tavistock North town council by-election next Thursday, August 22.

They are Gareth Dempster, of Montgomery Drive in Tavistock, and Jeff Moody, of Bannawell Street.

Mr Dempster, 43, is the membership officer for the Co-operative Group and has lived in Tavistock for six and a half years. He is a school governor for the Tavistock Church Schools' Federation

Mr?Dempster said: 'I'm a resident of the town and for me, it's a case of stop moaning, do something about it. I think people need to stand up and be counted.

'The only way you can effect change is to be involved in the process.'

Mr Dempster said he was concerned about the impact of extra housing on the town and was sceptical that Tavistock would ever achieve the proposed railway link with Bere Alston.

'I suspect we will end up with the houses and no railway, because of the way railways are financed anyway.'

If elected, Mr Dempster would be the youngest member of the town council.

He is associated with a new group working to make improvements in the Meadows.

Jeff Moody, 59, is already a member of West Devon Borough Council. He said: 'As an Independent West Devon councillor for Tavistock North and having been a Tavistock business owner for many years, I am a very keen supporter of Tavistock's commercial centre, Tavistock Enterprise Hub, the BID team and Totally Locally which supports local independent retailers.

'I am also fully behind the recently formed Meadows Makeover Facebook group of young Tavistock families campaigning for improvements to the Meadows facilities.'

Mr Moody said he was a keen supporter of the preservation and enhancement of Tavistock's conservation area.

'Many of the heritage assets are under the stewardship of Tavistock Town Council,' said Mr Moody.

'Being a town councillor will enable me to participate more closely in the many important issues affecting Tavistock.'

Polling takes place in Tavistock Methodist Church between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, August 22.

No polling cards have been issued — electors who live within the Tavistock North ward may simply turn up and vote.

The by-election was called following the resignation of Cllr Ashley Tossell earlier this summer.