THE working group Destination Okehampton will look at ways to tackle issues related to improving the town's image and social issues at its next meeting in November.

The group was set up in October 2009 in an effort to market the town to both tourists and businesses.

The scope of the group has grown since then to take into account societal issues that affect the town in an effort to make Okehampton a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Destination Okehampton held a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis meeting last week to look broadly at issues affecting business, tourism and leisure, the community and population, and the town's infrastructure.

Representatives from a number of local organisations and businesses, including Okehampton College, OCRA, the Chamber of Trade and Okehampton and District Twinning Association, attended the meeting, along with a number of Okehampton town councillors.

A range of issues were discussed, including parking and transport, the potential co-ordination of local authorities such as Okehampton Hamlets and Okehampton Town Council, and ways to encourage small business opportunities in the town.

The group's next meeting will be in the council chamber in Okehampton Town Hall on Thursday November 24 at 7pm. All are welcome to attend to share their views on the topics to be discussed.