BIDEFORD Town Council has been asked to take the lead in implementing the town's Community Action Plan.

The plan includes projects to enhance the area and was put together by the Bideford Regeneration Initiative.

However, since the demise of the BRI the council has been asked to take over the list of projects earmarked to improve the town.

This includes running the Bideford 500 project, designed to enhance the area's historical importance.

Also included is the creation of a cadet centre of excellence which would provide a state-of-the-art home for army, sea and air cadets alongside the Scouts and Guides next to the Sure Start Children's Centre.

The BRI also began work on five major redevelopment sites for the town including Brunswick Wharf, The Pill, Bridge Street, Kingsley Road and the livestock market.

Those projects have been taken over by the Joint Development Team at North Devon+, leaving the smaller projects without an organisation to lead them.

Councillor Peter Christie was hesitant to take on the whole list, which includes some 16 projects. He said: "The BRI put forward too many projects all over the place and didn't achieve any of them. If we're going to do something, let's not get involved in massive complex lists.

"Let's just do a few things and try to achieve something. We shouldn't take on a huge list, but cherry-pick what is achievable and go for it."

Councillor Steve Clarke was also concerned Devon County Council was trying to shelve the plans.

But Councillor Andy Powell wanted the ideas, which included a graffiti wall, creating a youth centre at the Pill and redeveloping the Pollyfield area to go ahead.

"He said: "Someone needs to pick this up and run with it. These are things that the town wanted."

Councillors Emma Farrington and David Ratcliff were also in favour of taking the lead.

She said: "This is our opportunity to strengthen ourselves."

He said: "It is time to stop talking. Let's move outside our comfort zone, Let's get down to the nitty gritty. Let's deliver for Bideford."

The council's staff and finance committee will make the decision on whether to take on the projects.