NATIONAL recognition was this week extended to Tavistock Town Council, when it was this week announced the first local council in West Devon to achieved coveted ?quality status?.
To achieve quality status, the council had to pass certain tests set by an accreditation board, which included having an electoral mandate, qualified officers, more than a minimum number of meetings, communicating with the electorate and a history of providing a range of services to the community.
Cllr Norma Woodcock, mayor of Tavistock, said the council was very pleased to have received quality council accreditation.
She said: ?We have worked very hard to meet the criteria and have been supported by our very professional and hard-working staff.
?We think the status reflects the efforts that have been made by the council, but I would stress this doesn?t make us complacent ? we certainly look to maintain and improve on our provision to the town.?
The concept of quality town and parish councils was introduced in the Government?s rural white paper in 2000. Ministers believed being able to apply for quality status would equip local councils to take a stronger role in their communities and ensure they were in touch with the people they served.