I AM writing to you regarding the public meeting regarding the proposed new vistor orientation centre/ new toilets. As a young person (aged 25) it was disappointing to see that the reason behind the proposed orientation centre in Tavistock had been overshadowed by negative comments about a plan which has been withdrawn from the planning process. Members of the public who attended the meeting appeared to be passionate about the town but seemed completely uninterested in the World Heritage status of the town. In recent years we have seen Tavistock being awarded best market town then best food town and now has perhaps the highest accolade of Tavistock becoming a world heritage site. I feel a new visitors/orientation centre is vital to the town if we want to benefit from World Heritage status. It is clear that the original plans for the visitors centre are unpopular (putting it mildly) so we need to find a new solution. I was hoping that a solution would come from the public debate but we now have a situation where the public toilets by the Guildhall will be closed down with no altenative plans or location for the visitor centre. Russell Youles 29 West Street Tavistock THE feelings of many people were clearly expressed at the meeting on October 1. Alec Mettler?s concern over the design of the loos is very valid, as are Gill Gorbutt?s and others. The Gothic architecture in Guildhall Square is unique. The existing loos fit in and are in harmony with the other buildings. It would be a sacrilege to rebuild them to a more modern design. As Rob Mulliner states, do not touch the exterior, but completely upgrade the toilets internally. And leave the trees alone. They form a fine backdrop to the square. Regarding the war memorial, I am aghast the town is even thinking about moving it to within the churchyard. I regard the memorial as a war grave, on land that was sanctified when it was erected, as was the memorial site at Brentor, where I have lived since 1959. Those of us who survived world war two came back, leaving many behind, dead, in foreign fields. The war memorial belongs to them. The site is sacred. Leave it and them in peace. My ideal for Guildhall Square would be to ban all cars when the police have gone. Leave both the war memorial and the statue of the seventh duke of Bedford alone. Create a haven of peace and beauty within it by positioning a few seats, plus some large decorative flower-beds etc, to set off the beautiful Abbey remains and other buildings behind. We have the opportunity, let us take it now. With no cars using the square, the roundabout would be far less hazardous. Dennis Young Burn Lane House Burn Lane Brentor
