WHATEVER future accolades that are awarded to Tavistock, being NIMBY central has to be high on the list.

First, it was McDonald's who had to face the vitriol of residents who simply did not want 'that sort' in Tavistock. Ditto for Wetherspoons.

How about a nice rail link to Plymouth, through stunning countryside? Nah, don`t want that. Perhaps a supermarket to challenge the monopoly status of the present one? Nope, don`t want that either.

Let's face it, there seems to be a small, but powerful cartel who somehow seem to hold sway over the majority. May I suggest they direct their efforts in thinning out the over-supply of banks, estate agents, charity shops and mobile phone shops in town, not to mention the recent abundance of ladies' hairdressers?

Talking of oversupply, there are now three Indian and one Chinese food establishments in a 50-yard stretch. Tavistock is not quite as precious as some would have us believe. Okehampton has three major supermarkets virtually next door to each other, providing shoppers with a wide choice. Time to get in the real world, methinks.

Les Kingwell

Alexandra Drive

Bere Alston