TAVISTOCK Lions Club will be denied permission to hold a carnival car show on Bedford Square this summer, after a U-turn decision by the town council last week.
The council?s properties committee previously proposed the event, which in the past has raised hundreds of pounds for local charities, should be authorised for this year only ? but at the full council meeting, members overturned the decision.
During the meeting, Tavistock Forward chairman John Taylor asked the council for clarity on the use of the square.
He said: ?The square is being used for a variety of purposes, from anti-war protests to commercial organisations like the Grub Up van.
?Tavistock Forward is hoping to organise a jazz luncheon in the town hall as part of the music festival this spring and a major prestige car company has suggested it may be prepared to sponsor it, if they can use the area in front on the day.
?I think it would be helpful if this council could give clear guidance on what it can be used for.?
Cllr Alison Clish-Green said when the pavement in front of the town hall was extended some years ago as part of a town centre enhancement scheme, she had visions of a continental-style area where people could enjoy refreshments and the view.
?I get quite upset when I see all these cars parked along there,? she said.
?As one of the people who years ago was in favour of getting cars out of that area, I think we are now in danger of giving out mixed messages.?
Cllr Mandy Govier said the council agreed last summer that car show bookings should not be allowed.
?The Lions should never have been given permission,? said Cllr Govier, who did not feel the square should be used as ?a car show room?.
Cllr Caroline Keane proposed the Lions? permission should be rescinded and that the square should not be used for car shows in future ? she did not feel this use was in keeping with the aspirations behind the enhancements to the town centre.
Cllr Roy Connelly pointed out new traffic orders for Bedford Square were due to take effect by the end of the month, which would make parking there illegal forthwith.
Deputy mayor Jenny Metcalf said if the council had accepted a booking from the Lions, it should honour it ? but make it clear it would be the last time.
The council agreed Cllr Keane?s motion by 10 votes to two. The town clerk will inform Tavistock Lions that the council felt the car show would be inappropriate, particularly in the light of the new traffic orders.