THE civic leaders of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh are calling on the two communities to form a united front.

Cllrs Wendy Gill (Ashburton) and Pat Hedges (Buckfastleigh) admit there has always been friendly animosity between the neighbouring towns.

But, in 2003, there are growing pressures facing town and parish councils throughout the country, and they are coming from all directions including the Government, district and county councils.

And the towns' leading ladies are determined that the best way to fight back is in partnership, by the councils working more closely together.

'I know it has been us and them perhaps, not council wise, but between the towns, and there are now much bigger issues coming up which we need to face on a united front,' said Cllr Gill.

When she was mayor of Ashburton 16 years ago she worked together with the then mayor of Buckfastleigh Cllr Reg Couch and she says it went very well.

'I think it is more important than ever that town and parish councils work together because they are being swallowed up by big brother,' she said.

They might only be a couple of miles apart, but comparing the backgrounds of the towns is as different as chalk and cheese.

Ashburton is proud of its ancient stannary town traditions and its tin miners, while Buckfastleigh has a wealth of history in its woollen industry and Buckfast Abbey.

Cllr Hedges said pressures seemed to be growing on the town councils from all sides.

'Due to changes rapidly taking place it makes sense for Buckfastleigh and Ashburton to start working more closely together. I want what is best for Buckfastleigh and its people, and I think this is the first step in that direction. Drawing the two communities together has to be the right way forward,' said Cllr Hedges.

Both councils have had battles in trying to retain some public conveniences in their towns, which are to be closed by Teignbridge Council, and Ashburton has really had to fight its corner regarding the future of its town hall, which is owned by the district authority.

Cllr Gill and Cllr Hedges intend to attend a respective council meeting of their opposite number to cement the unity further.