IT IS all systems go for the Tamar Valley Heritage Project — the scheme has been given the green light to resume work by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Funding for the project was suspended in October 2010, after the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust went into administration.

However, a new agreement has now been signed between the National Heritage Memorial Fund, West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council and it is hoped that a wide range of works in the valley will be completed by spring next year.

Project work includes:

l The multi-use trail system being completed, with a new link from the A390 underpass through to Devon Great Consols (DGC)

l The arsenic calciners at DGC getting an overhaul and new interpretation installations provided

l New interpretation and orientation facilities in Tavistock, highlighting the town's history, the World Heritage Site and the Tamar Valley

l A new interpretation and education centre, with café facilities, at Bedford Sawmills

l New trail and riverside walk around the mines at Bedford United

l Multi-use trails being completed around Morwellham, revealing and interpreting the Mineral Tramway Incline Plane and Canal Portal at Morwellham

l The former Methodist Chapel at Morwellham being opened up as an orientation facility to tell the story of Methodism in the valley,

l A new club hut and finishing area for the Maddacleave Mountain Bike Trail to enable the Woodland Riders to run international competitions at this venue.

Robert Plumb, West Devon Borough Council's regeneration officer, said: 'It's a great relief to be underway again with major project works after a long time wondering if we will ever be able to start again.

'However, the delay has enabled us to re-shape and improve the project. It's been a real team effort, with magnificent support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Devon County Council in particular.'

Tim Selman, manager of the Tamar Valley Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty organisation, who has masterminded these initiatives over the past five years, said: 'This will provide a boost for local businesses in and around the valley at a difficult time and enable us to open up the world class attractions and facilities in the valley, which will be available to local residents and visitors alike.'