I WAS amazed to read that Tavistock Town Council had turned down the recommendation of its own properties committee by rejecting the proposal for a farmers' mnarket.

They have missed an excellent opportunity to promote both locally produced food and trade in the town. Experience throughout Devon suggests that this type of market actually attracts more shoppers, to the benefit of all traders. Okehampton, I believe, is about to expand to two a month to cope with the demand!

Farmers' markets offer fresh, local and largely organic produce. Shoppers can buy directly from the grower or producer, as middle-men are specifically excluded. Small enterprises such as mine would welcome the opportunity to make this produce available to a wider cross section of the public.

A distinct farmers' market, on a Saturday, in Bedford Square would be a refreshing sight in the centre of the town. Surely this space was created for such imaginative purposes? The objections quoted (on grounds of access, health and hygiene) seem particularly weak when compared with the code of practice under which the markets operate. Have the councillors read their briefing papers thoroughly?

I sincerely hope that this is not just a last-ditch attempt to rubbish the new square by those councillors who have never really accepted the redevelopment! Come on, Tavistock, give local people a chance to sample local produce in a pleasant, friendly environment.

Pete Mayston

Rose Cottage

Organic Produce

Rumleigh, Bere Alston

AH! The smell of desperation permeates the square. Street cafés, markets, fairs and what have you; anything to divert attention from the fact that the most appalling example of an undemocratic planning decision was foisted on the people of Tavistock.

Please, don't desperately try hopeless and cosmetic remedies to cover the misjudgements. Return the square to a busy working centre again.

Let cars stop and shop, and coaches to unload.

The coaches, incidentally, go to Princetown now. I'm sure Princetown appreciates it, but why are we driving them out of town?

Allowing our so called representatives to press ahead with these face-saving proposals allows one or two individuals to take commercial advantage of a public area instead of returning it to an active busy terminus, which benefits all traders, visitors and local people alike.

Leslie F Martindale

The Coffee Mill

44 Brook Street

Tavistock

AS another elderly resident of the town I would like to voice my agreement with the letter sent in by W Tucker.

I have just been driven through the square on a lovely sunny Friday afternoon and was shocked to see it empty and deserted.

I could not believe my eyes! Before the so called 'enhancement' it used to be teeming with people, cars and coaches bringing trade from other areas.

We don't need expensive planning officers, just common sense to see that we should be bringing back parking in the square which at the moment is a useless waste of space and looks ridiculous.

We have already lost two of our most valued shops and will lose more.

Many people I have spoken to are in complete agreement with me and would like to see the square as it used to be.

Mrs P Potter

Laburnum Cotts

Tavistock

AFTER reading the recent reports of the town council's approach to Bedford Square I believe it is time to remove from the local council the responsibility for the management and development of the square.

The county council rightly gave this responsibility to local people. But our elected representatives on the town council appear to be so prejudiced against the enhancement that they are not acting in a rational and prudent manner.

A more suitable local management group could be one made up of local residents, shoppers and traders, people who can see that the imaginative use of the square would enhance Tavistock's reputation as a really pleasant place in which to live, work, shop and visit.

Mrs June Mowforth

51 West Street

Tavistock