Clearing the way for attractive look

Thursday, 15 January 2009

Claire Hallett

A ‘FANTASTIC’ new project in Okehampton led to the improvement of a neglected area of the town on Monday.
Supporters of the Growing Our Future project were busy clearing an overgrown area at the crossroads of East Street, Northfield Road and Crediton Road.
The activity was filmed by ITV Fixers, which works with young people aged between 16 and 25, on projects they feel passionately about.
The newly cleared area will be named The Gateway to Okehampton and is part of Growing Our Future’s continuous aim to inspire, stimulate and educate the community.
Cllr Christine Marsh, who took part in the clearance of the dense, overgrown area, said: ‘The project is part of the upgrading of another community space in a neglected area of Okehampton and when completed we plan to plant flowers and perhaps have a sculpture of some sort.’
Cllr Marsh said the continuous dedication and determination of these projects made all the difference to the town as a community.
‘If we keep chipping away at these little pockets that need working on, the overall appearance of Okehampton is improved to a higher standard, which is ultimately good for its residents and visitors.’
Student from Falmouth College and former Times reporter Tommy Tonkins said: ‘It’s fantastic to see the Okehampton community working together and trying to make a real and tangible difference to the town.
‘Growing Our Future is an amazing project and deserves all the support that it’s getting, and, hopefully, will continue to receive.’
ITV Fixers researcher Freya Evans said: ‘We were looking for a new project to film which makes a difference to local communities and emailed Falmouth College for ideas.
‘We received an email back from Tommy, who had connections with the Growing Our Future project, and decided to come down to Okehampton and film.’
The three-and-a-half minute film will be broadcast on Westcountry Live on Wednesday January 28 between 6pm and 6.30pm.