Government help for Devon's independent shops and markets

Over the twenty years I've known Okehampton the town centre has changed almost beyond recognition. The traditional local shops have all but disappeared. That wonderful hardware/department store - what was it's name? - where McPhie's is: the cobbler in the arcade: Dewhurst the butcher, a national chain but locally staffed and run. Even Gateways supermarket was in Fore Street.

Thank heavens for Donalds and Martins who keep the flag flying for old-fashioned local businesses among the charity shops and vacant premises.

Then, of course there was the cattle market, too, bringing the agricultural population to town once a week, adding not just trade to the town, but character(s).

At long last the government have acted to give local councils "the tools they need to boost business growth and provide new safeguards for town centres and local markets" by way of a new streamlined Planning Policy Statement. This will protect markets and shops and discourage the out-of-town supermarket developments which take away the life-blood of town centres.

You'll find more details about the scheme here...

Post your memories of Okehampton's old shopping centre here - as well as your opinions about the changes in the town over then last decade.