D RAT MY POONS if it isn't the most stunning conception I have ever clapped my beady old eyes on, apart from Richard Branson's spaceship and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, naturally.

I am talking, of course, about the new strategy for improvements in Fore Street. Crikey, you could almost call it gentrification so wide sweeping are the plans envisaged for our oldest and most renowned street.

Incognito, as usual, I managed to gatecrash the meeting at the Crescent Hotel and listened most avidly to the presentation by James Brookes from Grainge Architects and, as an aside, the hosts at the Crescent Hotel really did push the boat out.

With a genial greeting, coffee, and a fine array of biscuits for our delectation, they could not possibly have made those at the meeting feel more at home. I really feel this is the very essence of the Fore Street community.

Back to the plot and you simply cannot believe what brilliant notions are envisaged for this very special thoroughfare. Not that they haven't been envisaged before, of course, but this time they have what can only be described as some seriously heavyweight backing.

The Joint Delivery Team from North Devon Plus, with Sally Nelson at the helm — I thought that was rather clever, helm? Nelson? Oh, never mind. Anyway, Sally and JDT have really got their teeth into this affair and are absolutely committed to delivering the goods.

It is not possible in my tiny column to describe what is planned for Ilfracombe's oldest street, you'll just have to find out for yourselves, suffice it to say this could be a real turning point for the future of the town and I have it on good authority it is only the tip of this particular iceberg.

With a bit of luck and the right funding, St James Place, Broad Street and the High Street could also come under the scrutiny of JDT and North Devon Plus – hopefully with Sally at the helm. Like I have said before, the longest journey starts with the smallest of steps but to me this seems like a giant leap forward.

At last we have an organisation in place who have a cunning plan and without a plan you haven't a hope in hell of getting any cash. This time perhaps things could be different, perhaps this time the people in charge of our ultimate destiny will sit up and take some notice.

The alterations to Fore Street are wide-reaching and far-sighted but certainly not without the bounds of possibility and could have a serious impact on our future prosperity. Of course it won't happen overnight but then Rome, as somebody was heard to comment, wasn't built in a day.

Just one niggle; well it's not a niggle really, more of a suggestion. Is there any way, do you think, funds could be stretched to sandblast the white paint from all the natural-stone walls? There is one section of virginal wall, untouched by the hand of man or indeed his paintbrush, at the top end of the street and I have to say it looks a whole lot better than the rest.

I cannot help but feel the natural-stone effect ultimately offers more warmth, historical accuracy and certainly more kerb-side appeal. This, as everyone who watches telly knows, is an intrinsic part of the selling process. Never forget, Ilfracombe is on the market as we try to sell ourselves to our tourist base or prospective investors and Tesco made a pretty good commercial point with "Every little helps."

And then there are the doomsayers who bleat on continually about dog poo and parking on the pavement to consider. There is nothing we can do about the former, dogs will be dogs and recalcitrant owners will continue to neglect their duty to the community. This is a problem for our council, assuming funds are available. On the other hand, if you are so imbued with civic pride, instead of complaining you could always bag it up yourself and deposit it in the nearest bin. I know I do!

As for the latter, surely the sensitive use of street furniture will overcome most of this problem but it is worth remembering, residents should still be able to enjoy the right of vehicular access to their own homes, for loading and unloading. Also, businesses will continue to require taxi access for their customers and ingress for deliveries. After all, some people have to live, or make a living there.

All in all, the whole concept is totally spiffing and I simply cannot wait for it to come to fruition. Mind you, I still think my idea of a residents car park and feature garden at the Montebello site is equally as spiffing but who am I to cast dispersions?

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WELL, you might be sorry or you might be glad but this is my last column until the end of the Christmas festivities. When you get to my age you need a break, even if it is only to digest the sumptuous meal LLW envisages for presentation on the big day.

There is just space left here to remind you that goodwill towards man is certainly the order of the day at this time of year. And if that poor little mite from Bethlehem really did die to save us all it could well be a good idea to keep him in your thoughts occasionally, as you rip the wrapping from yet another present.

A very merry Christmas, my faithful readers, and a more than prosperous New Year. May all your dreams come true and the goodwill Faerie visit you in abundance. See you again on January 7. TTFN!