THE shopping consultation by West Devon Borough Council leading to the public exhibition and discussions in Tavistock on October 12 is dangerously flawed.

It postulates a two-tier central shopping area, a sort of 1st and 2nd eleven that would surely inhibit investment and consequent use of the lower grade areas.

One way to encourage a contrary development would be to erect bold, even illuminated, signposts in the main thoroughfares, directing shoppers into the lanes and side-streets.

An even more surprising faux pas is the omission of the Post Office in Abbey Place and the riverside cafe and the estate agents' office in Market Road from either 1st or 2nd division; both venues are important to local and tourist shoppers.

G Kirkpatrick

Tavistock