RESIDENTS of Okehampton had the chance to ask questions and seek answers from the town council at the town's annual assembly last week.

Councillors this year changed the format of the event to a less formal evening of open forum questions and answers, along with three presentations on the past, present and future of Okehampton.

The evening was attended by twice as many members of the public as in recent years.

Residents questioned councillors on coach parking, recycling, fly tipping and the long-awaited and keenly anticipated rail link between Okehampton and Exeter.

It was confirmed planning permission had been granted for a coach park to be built in the car park of the Museum of Dartmoor Life, which it is hoped will help attract more tourists to the town centre.

Councillors confirmed the development was now awaiting funding, which the town council may be able to assist with in the new financial year.

The recent announcements about changes to services on offer at Devon County Council's recycling centres were also the topic of much discussion, with residents raising concerns about increases in fly tipping, particularly on the approaches to the recycling centre on Exeter Road Industrial Estate.

Chair of Devon County Council Christine Marsh said: 'Whilst we realise the decision to implement charges and restrictions is not ideal, the council is facing increased rates for landfill and we need to tackle the problem of traders abusing the facility.

'The council has to make savings, and we are fortunate in Okehampton that our recycling centre is staying open when three others face closure. We just have to manage as best we can.'

West Devon Borough Councillor John Young said: 'Let me make it very clear: the borough council are far from thrilled about this decision. The county council are passing the buck, as it will be the borough council that will have to clear up the resulting mess from fly tipping.'

Derek Webber, chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, agreed, adding: 'We have fought hard over the past decade to stop fly tipping and keep this area, which relies heavily on tourism, free from mess.

'I am sad to see such a retrograde step being taken which will take us back ten years to the days when fly tipping was the norm.'

The three presentations explored the past, present and future of the town. Using archive photographs, Cllr Paul Vachon looked at the past, emphasising the importance of the Okehampton Community Archive.

Cllr Kevin Ball looked at present day Okehampton, emphasising the facilities, events and sense of community which lay at the heart of the town. Okehampton, said Cllr Ball, really is a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

The final presentation, on the future of the town, saw Cllr Dr Michael Ireland focus on the importance of the eagerly awaited rail link to Exeter for the future of Okehampton and as a means of combating issues such as parking ands congestion.

Cllr Ireland said a survey had revealed 94% of people in Okehampton want a regular timetabled service operating between Okehampton and Exeter, and added there was support from towns as far afield as Bude for Okehampton to be used as a rail hub for the area, bringing great economic benefits to the town.

Mrs Woolacott thanked the town council for its work, and said: 'I hope in future years this fantastic new format will encourage even more people to attend this annual meeting and take the opportunity to talk to the council directly.'