WE are pleased to see that Councillor Mathew (Letters, February 4), is at last starting to bring issues around to political positions. We look forward to seeing him and his friends on the town council emerging from behind their present 'Independent' labels and producing a Conservative manifesto for the May elections.

It'll be fascinating to see what their vision for West Devon and Tavistock's future will be. Going from what they say, and try to do, it seems certain to be short-term and reactionary in the extreme, and certainly clouded with petrol fumes.

They oppose the long-term protection for a Grade 1 Listed building in Bedford Square just as they opposed one-way traffic flow and more pedestrian-friendly measures in Duke Street and Brook Street.

They continue to fly in the fact of ordered democracy by promoting a private so-called 'referendum' over properly run official consultations and the wishes of the independent working group of community representatives.

They seek to block co-operation between the town council and the borough and county councils to the detriment of the community. Now they want Brussels to withdraw our hard-won funding, careless of the effect this sort of lobbying could have on future bids for European money.

As for Councillor Ted Sherrell, while he has a witty turn of phrase, he will jump on any short-term popular bandwagon.

As Liberal Democrats, we put out a manifesto spelling out our vision and aims before every election and in between we consult widely and keep people informed about what we are doing.

People know up-front what we stand for and can vote accordingly. Hopefully our opponents will do the same before the May elections and spell out their intentions — not just on a single issue like Bedford Square, but on all the many issues affecting peoples' lives in Tavistock and throughout the Borough. We look forward to it.

Councillors Stapleton, Clish-Green, Pearson and Everitt

Liberal Democrat Councillors for

Tavistock on West

Devon Borough Council

I WOULD like to thank Councillor Mathew and all those people who fought so hard to see that the views of the majority of the people of Tavistock should be given the chance to be heard, and we all know what those views are.

It is very sad that this 'Enhancement' scheme is to be foisted upon us though many people said, despondently: 'What is the good of fighting, it never does any good?'

When ordinary consumers of electricity are asked to turn off lights on leaving rooms, and to use long-life lamps when possible to conserve electricity as much as possible, councillors suggest floodlighting the square from both ends and the roof of the town hall!

Are they not aware of the problems of light pollution of our night skies?

Mrs D C Colombi

3 Sunshine Terrace

Tavistock

AND so the saga of Bedford Square continues!

In the blue corner Councillor Mathew wants us to write to Brussels, the home of mad bureaucracy, but admits that in doing so we may waste our time.

In the red corner Councillor Pearson protests for the umpteenth time that the borough council public opinion exercise was carried out in the purest, whiter-than-white democratic way.

As in all his protestations, Councillor Pearson ignores the fact that the council questionnaire that was the immediate cause of the consortium group's public opinion exercise was seriously flawed. It gave three options on one theme . . . to prettify the Square . . . and omitted the necessary democratic fourth . . . no change.

Democratic process! Pull the other one, Mr Pearson.

Graham Kirkpatrick

Tavistock

I REALLY am getting fed up reading letters denigrating the plans to enhance Bedford Square. Whether the vociferous minority like it or not, there is absolutely no justification for the square being a four-lane highway and car park.

I can only assume that those clamouring for it to be 'saved', have never tried to cross it with children in tow, or when it is raining and blowing a gale, or had to dodge the car drivers who seem oblivious to those at the roadside. The 'hive of activity' referred to last week is positively dangerous and a nightmare to negotiate on foot.

I am really looking forward to crossing in safety, enjoying a (locally bought) lunch in the sunshine outside the town hall, (without being blasted by exhaust fumes from cars parking) and generally enjoying the peace and quiet, as will all the visitors to Tavistock.

I suppose that the 'anti' brigade also wants the new pavements in Duke Street and Brook Street ripped up and two-way traffic reintroduced! Hands up all those who think that's a good idea!

Finally, can I ask when McDonalds became a youth club? I thought it was an outlet that sold burgers, chips and fizzy drinks. Several correspondents recently have mentioned that the one due to open in Tavistock '. . . will be somewhere for the young people to go in the evening.' Really? And I wonder where they will find the money to pay for this 'entertainment'? In reality, it will generate extra traffic and extra litter, some of the latter being thrown onto the moors from open car windows.

S C Fryer

The Little Friary, Modyford Walk

Buckland Monachorum

I THANK councillor Mathew for providing me with the address of the Eurocrat. I can now write to him and thank him for his support to our councillors who have shown imagination and provided leadership with regard to Bedford Square.

Anyone would think the proposal was to drive a motorway through the square. On the contrary, it is a proposal to make it safer for motorists, coach passengers and pedestrians alike, and to give us all the chance to appreciate our heritage in the form of the town hall and church.

Let us welcome the scheme to make the area user-friendly and give Tavistock a square to be proud of. Surely the present situation cannot be considered satisfactory by any rational being?

A A Clark

2 Priory Close

Tavistock