THERE is just one month for the community to put forward its views on a £2-million project to rejuvenate the historic heart of Tavistock.

Exciting proposals to revamp the public spaces and buildings were revealed in November after the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership won an initial £36,000 to kick-start the project.

The partnership includes West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council, Devon County Council, community organisations and local businesses who all share the vision to improve the quality of life, visitor appeal and economic outlook in Tavistock.

More than 150 people visited a two-day exhibition in the pannier market recently where the public consultation was launched.

Residents were able to see a series of artist's impressions showing the options being considered to improve the town public open spaces and key town centre streets.

These include the possible design of Guildhall Square, described by English Heritage as the most important square in Devon, and Bank Square, along with the pedestrianisation of the lower half of Market Street.

Chairman of the partnership John Taylor said he was delighted by the response so far: 'We really want to hear the views of local people and find out what they think of our proposals which could give Tavistock's historic heart a new lease of life,' he said.

'This is about all everyone working together so everything looks cohesive.

'At the moment there is lots of clutter, all types of paving, different litter bins and street furniture.

'It is very blotchy. It would not take much money to make some improvements to improve the townscape.'

The most controversial of the proposals is to remove the car parking around the Guildhall and replace it with an open space green area and walkways where people can relax.

The most popular option for the space outside the Guildhall at the moment is keeping a central parking area with improved walkways, moving the statue and creating space around the War Memorial.

Mr Taylor added: 'It is really important that we choose the options that everyone wants, so it is vital they come forward with views before the January 17 consultation deadline.'

His comments were reiterated by mayor of Tavistock, Cllr Harry Smith, who said: 'People care passionately about the look of our historic town and their views will prove most helpful in finding the best possible option.'

The plans include re-roofing the pannier market and work to nine other historic buildings, including Butcher's Hall (former auction rooms) and linking walkways to the river, one of the 'jewels in the crown' of Tavistock.

The partnership has until March 2014 to submit a detailed proposal, with a view to commence the five-year scheme in the autumn of next year.

Up to £980,000 has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project and that is matched by a similar amount of local funding to provide a £2-million programme of grants.

Proposals can be seen at Tavistock Library until January 17, where people can also fill in a questionnaire.

Among the questions being asked are:

• Which buildings would you most like to see repaired and/or in use?

• Do you have any views on proposed improvements around the pannier market?

• Do you have any views on options for Bank Square/Market Street?

• Do you have any views on options for improving Guildhall Square?

• Would you like to raise any other concerns about the Tavistock Conservation Area?