UPKEEP of the unmade land in Pixon Lane owned by Tavistock Town Council is a constant drain on the public purse, it was claimed in a meeting last week.

There were plans to create a formal car park on the land — a project which would have cost around £700,000, financed through a loan — but the council last December shelved the scheme after deciding such a car park would never be self-financing.

The land is used as an access route to the town's scout HQ, and to other sites such as the squash club and the King's Church building. It is also used by lorries attending Tavistock Livestock Market.

Members of the council's properties committee were told that keeping the land useable for vehicles was an on-going drain on works department resources.

Works superintendent Wayne Southall said: 'It's not simply a case of filling in pot-holes a couple of times a year. It's probably taking two to three days worth of work a month, plus materials.'

Mr Southall, in a report to councillors, asked members for guidance about the land, following their decision not to develop it as a formal car park.

Mr Southall said: 'Obviously, the area is being continually eroded when used by the cattle market and coaches, free of charge, and the costs to the council in labour and materials is ongoing.

'It is my opinion that the council should seriously consider a working party to advise me on what action should, or needs, to be taken, because there is no obvious short-term solution, barring restricting movement, apart from access only to units at the back of Pixon Lane.'

Cllr John Sellis said: 'I feel the cost of putting a few tons of gravel down and filling in these holes isn't great when it's a service provided to the people of Tavistock to park there at their own risk.'

He thought the area was best left 'well alone'.

Cllr David Best suggested there should be signs erected on the land, to say people and their vehicles used it at their own risk.

But town clerk Roger Howard said such signs were ineffectual.

'There are notices up there saying there are no public rights of way but you can put as many notices up as you like, you are still liable,' he said.

The committee agreed that Cllr John Sellis and Cllr David Best should meet Mr Southall to discuss the issue further.