A MULTI-MILLION pound investment in the Tamar Valley is the focus of a series of special exhibitions being held this month, enabling residents in West Devon and East Cornwall to discover exactly how the area will benefit from this huge boost. The exhibitions will be held during the afternoon and evening at four venues around the Tamar Valley to give as many people as possible the chance to attend. The aim of the events is to provide information on the: l Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project ? recently awarded £5.8-million to celebrate and conserve the mining landscape of the Valley l World Heritage Site bid for Cornish and West Devon Mining l £2-million East Cornwall Regeneration Project ? including proposed Tamar Valley Centre l Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty l Other projects within the area. The events will clarify their differences and where they overlap, and highlight the exciting plans afoot in the valley. There will also be prize draws taking place for a chance to win a mountain bike or dinner for two at the Horn of Plenty in Gulworthy. Tim Selman, manager of the Tamar Valley AONB, said: ?The idea of these events is to provide the public, especially those who live in or near the Tamar Valley, with important information about the exciting projects we have planned for the area. ?There are certainly a great number of benefits to the local community and we are keen to create a dialogue with local people to ensure we understand their hopes and concerns.? Large scale plans of the new access routes intended for the area will be on show, including details of the proposed 60km of new trails and footpaths and information on how the new routes have been planned sensitively, ensuring access for all sectors of the community. Visitors to the exhibitions can find out more about the work that will be taking place in the valley, the recreational activities that will be available to locals and visitors, educational opportunities the projects will provide, positive environmental and conservation issues and employment and economic benefits to the region Local businesses can benefit from the project in a number of ways, through providing services for local people and visitors, and by working on the projects themselves. There will be a great variety of educational and adult learning opportunities, including guided walks and events, art, film, music and drama projects, volunteer programmes, and health and exercise activities for the young, old, and the less able. The exhibitions, running from 2pm to 9pm each day, will be held on Wednesday September 21, at Gulworthy Parish Hall; Thursday September 22, at Tavistock Methodist Church; Friday September 23, at Albaston Methodist Church and on Thursday October 6, at Bere Ferrers Parish Church.
