BUSINESS owners in Okehampton are being asked for­ their views on proposals for a town marketing manager.

The role would involve establishing links with businesses, groups and agencies in the area to help identify and implement any marketing and promotional needs to improve the economy of the town.

The town council does not have the powers to appoint the manager, and therefore the post — which it is estimated would cost around £15,000 per year — will need to be self-funding, most likely through subscriptions from town businesses.

It is estimated the manager will need two days per week to achieve the duties.

Cllr Paul Vachon, who is heading the Destination Okehampton working group, is distributing a letter and questionnaire to all businesses and other interested parties in the town, seeking their views.

At a meeting of the town council last week, Cllr Vachon said: 'The responses are already beginning to come back from businesses, and overall they have been very positive. We feel this role would be very beneficial to the town, and so far businesses seem to agree.'

Destination Okehampton was established after concerns were raised about the number of empty shops and offices in the town and the general economic decline of Okehampton. The group aims to make Okehampton a more enticing and exciting destination for local people and tourists.

l Town councillors in Okehampton will seek advice on how to best maximise their investments.

At the meeting last week, Cllr McDonald said: 'As we are entrusted with public money, we ought to seek advice to ensure our reserves are getting the best possible returns for the people of Okehampton.'

Councillors agreed to seek advice from an independent financial advisor or other investment professional.