Group launch regeneration project for Ottery

A vision to make Ottery a ‘sustainable, economically vibrant and dynamic’ place to live has been unveiled.

Geoff Pratt, chairman of a regeneration project, told town council colleagues the ‘exciting’ scheme has five aims to improve Ottery. These include including making the town safer for pedestrians, enhancing its buildings and protecting open spaces.

Project leaders are looking to enter into a partnership with East Devon District Council (EDDC), Devon County Council and Historic England to help with the regeneration.

Councillor Pratt said: “There is a need to look after the town and make it a thriving, dynamic, attractive town centre and, at the same time, we want to protect the heritage of the town. We need to ensure that Ottery has a safe place for pedestrians to walk and the traffic is also looked at. The pedestrians really should be first, not the traffic, and it’s the other way round at the moment.

“There are many issues that we will need to deal with and its an exciting project.”

The project group is made up of businesses, residents and town councillors. Members will address the district council next Thursday to explain the scheme.

Mayor Glyn Dobson said: “It’s good to see members of the community getting involved in it.”