A £94,000 survey to locate centuries-old mine workings in Horrabridge has given the village renewed confidence and brought previously empty properties back onto the market, boosting the local economy.

Extensive mining activity in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries led to fears that parts of the village were unsafe particularly as old mining maps contained insufficient detail.

As part of the West Devon Borough Council-led project, extensive surveys have been carried out in the area since 2004. The findings indicate that the majority of the village has not been affected by the mine workings and that there are no areas at high or medium risk of instability.

Now the council is holding a special information day for villagers on Wednesday December 9, to share the final report along with maps and photos detailing the investigations.

The borough council put around £50,000 into the project to investigate the problem and secured a similar amount of funding from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency.

The survey has led to more than 70 former MoD properties in the village, which were sitting empty due to the land stability concerns, now being available to buy. Some are already occupied as family homes.

The survey work was supervised by Tavistock-based consultant engineers Frederick Sherrell Ltd and the council worked in partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority, Annington Homes Ltd, Horrabridge Parish Council, Copperfields Residents Association, West Devon Homes, the Environment Agency and Devon County Council to complete the project.

West Devon borough councillors David Cloke and Debo Sellis, who represent the area, say that the survey results are testament to the huge commitment to the project by residents, the parish council and the borough council.

Cllr Cloke, who lives in Horrabridge, said: 'This is a time for the village to celebrate. I've been with this project since it began and there have been periods of high activity which has caused concern and disruption. The main concern has been for home owners who, of course, have worried about the value of their properties and the cost of any remedial works if needed.

'The survey will allay those concerns and it's good news for the residents and the community as a whole. This will provide a big boost to our local businesses and the school too, particularly with the increasing numbers of people living in the former MoD properties.'

Cllr Sellis said: 'The survey results bring to an end an uncertain time for Horrabridge and has brought confidence back into the community. The patience and tolerance of villagers during what were sometimes intrusive works has been exceptional and without their co-operation the project could never have been achieved.'

The information day will take place in Horrabridge Village Hall from 2pm to 8pm and everyone is welcome to attend.