I WONDER how many of your readers realise that the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have amalgamated two of their rural beat areas. It has been decided that the Hatherleigh and North Tawton areas can be policed adequately by one Beat Manager, the modern term for a local bobby. Local area committee and parish councils? remarks have been ignored by the police authority. It is now considered that WPC Maguire can satisfactorily cover Highampton, Hatherleigh, Meeth, Iddesleigh, Monkokehampton, Broadwoodkelly, Exbourne, Jacobstowe, Sampford Courtenay, Honeychurch, North Tawton, Bondleigh and Spreyton. Despite what the Chief Constable might say this is a reduction in service. How can an officer be expected to maintain a reasonable service covering this huge area of West Devon? Rural areas pay 9% towards police funding through our council tax, just the same as the larger populated areas, but it seems that we are discriminated against when it come to a service. David Weeks Representing Exbourne Ward West Devon Borough Council
