EFFORTS to offer employment support and boost economic regeneration in Okehampton are continuing — but with two plans being drawn up, councillors are stressing the need for them to be integrated effectively.

Moves to turn around the town's economy came in the wake of job losses at Polestar Foods, where more than 200 employees were made redundant, and Robert Wiseman Dairies, where 69 jobs were lost following the closure of the Okehampton plant.

West Devon Borough Council is working on an evolving strategy to boost the town's economic prospects.

Meanwhile, Okehampton Town Council and the Devon Heartlands Community Forum are producing their own long-term strategy for developing and encouraging employment opportunities locally.

The West Devon plan focuses on the larger picture while the town council and forum plan homes in on local issues.

Christine Marsh, a West Devon Borough councillor for Okehampton, said of the West ?Devon development plan: 'We've highlighted what an important area Okehampton is, with its travel links to the A30, the potential re-opening of the railway and the cost of land being so much less than places like Exeter.

'Land is running out in other towns and cities, whereas land in Okehampton is still comparatively cheap.

'Okehampton Town Council and Devon Heartlands Community Forum are looking at our plans from a local perspective.

'To a degree we know how local issues work, but larger authorities also look at the bigger picture. This local perspective is important to show us what the community wants.

'Putting these things into action is a never-ending process. We keep updating our strategy and looking at what has changed. Things never sit on the shelf and gather dust.

'We've not had any real difficulties yet, but as with everything these things take time. We have to get it right.'

But town councillors at a planning meeting on Monday stressed that their strategy must not be hindered by attempts to integrate it with the plans of West Devon Council and of communities surrounding the town.

The town council and forum's local long-term plan for economic development in the Okehampton area is the second phase, after the provision of support and advice to the staff and those made redundant.

Okehampton town councillor Kay Bickley said: 'There is a need for consultation. West Devon Borough Council want on-the-ground consultation to help with the master planning of their strategy.

'We want to ask local people and businesses: How do you see your community? Do you feel represented? How do you want Okehampton to develop?'

Councillors discussed how best to overcome integration issues with the borough council and surrounding communities at a planning committee meeting on Monday (May 16).

Cllr Bickley added: 'We need to have a development plan as soon as possible. We need a meeting, bringing West Devon Borough Council's plans with our own to get a paper together.'

Speaking about the difficulty in determining what area is covered by an Okehampton regeneration plan, Cllr Michael Ireland said: 'We need to ask the people of Okehampton how they perceive their community, and what they perceive Okehampton to be.'

Plans to have on-the-ground interaction with residents of Okehampton, and discuss their perceptions of the town were proposed and passed at the planning meeting.

The Devon Heartlands Community Forum's next open meeting will take place at the Ockment Centre on Wednesday, June 1 between 2-4pm. Members of the local community are welcome to attend and find out the latest developments regarding the regeneration task force.

The town council's plans for discussion with the local community is expected to start in the near future.