DIY shopping in Tavistock

Are people taking the trip into Plymouth for their hardware essentials now that the Tavistock Focus has closed? .... or are there still ample DIY supplies in Tavistock?

The Tavistock Focus closed in July after the chain went into administration in May, and 23 local jobs were lost as result. Rumours have been rife as to who will be taking over the large plot, and there has been talk that supermarket giants Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's have all shown an interest. Kingfisher, the company that owns B&Q, have purchased 31 of the 178 Focus stores nationwide, but is looking highly unlikely that they will take over the Tavistock plot. So, temporarily at least, we'll be going back to the good old days and supporting our independent, smaller DIY shops in Tavistock.

I visited a few local hardware stores in Tavistock yesterday, and to be honest everything you need is here in the town .... just not necessarily under one roof.

D&M Tools (pictured) on West Street is great for general tools and hardware. They're a smallish shop, but they cater for most basic needs. Their reviews all state that they also offer advice – a service that you don't necessarily get with larger hardware chains.

There's also a great stall in the Pannier Market situated in the corner near the Bedford Square entrance (also pictured). It's called Novex Fixings and is great for smaller hardware items. If you're after picture hangers, nuts, bolts, screws or nails then this is your place. They also offer key cutting, and a wide range of adhesives & tapes. Again, the service is incredibly friendly, and the prices are very reasonable.

If you're after gardening equipment then Lawsons at the end of the main shopping street (on Parkwood Road) is worth a visit. They've had loads of great reviews in the Tavistock People business directory, so they must be doing something right! J

We also have Travis Perkins and Jewson for items such as paint, plaster board and wood. And talking of wood, don't forget Tavistock Woodlands on the way out to Gunnislake. They really do have pretty much every type of wood you could ever want ... In fact half my house has been built from their materials!

Have I missed anything out? Are there any other hidden DIY gems in Tavistock? Will we even miss Focus at all?