WE would welcome the opportunity to clarify and correct certain quotes supplied to the Tavistock Times Gazette which appeared last week under the headline 'Council department under fire'.

Firstly, West Devon Borough does not charge the highest council tax in the South West. For example, our Band D council tax is £181.84, Kerrier District Council in Cornwall charges £185.06 and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council in Dorset charges £250.07.

Secondly, the net budget is £8.l-million, and not £8.4-million as quoted. We employ fewer staff th­an any other district council in mainland England and salaries and pensions make up 26% of the council's gross expenditure not 64% as suggested.

Staff at West Devon are paid less than in other councils in Devon and their equivalents in many local public sector organisations, which affects our ability to recruit staff for some departments.

Referring to the issue of the Down Road mast, mobile phone companies are exempt under Government legislation from having to submit a planning application; they simply only have to provide the Council with prior notification of their intentions. This distinction is very significant as when assessing prior notifications the council can only take into account issues of design and location.

When members of the planning and licensing committee visited Down Road to consider those aspects in context they were unable to find any design or location reasons to oppose the mast. Apart from the members on the planning and licensing committee, the invitation to attend the site visit was extended to all Tavistock South ward members — including Councillor Jenkins.

We sincerely regret that council officers omitted to either display a site notice or alternatively write to the three adjoining neighbours to inform them of the proposal.

The officers concerned are genuinely upset that this oversight occurred and measures have already been taken to prevent a repetition. Unfortunately, however, the council could not in any event have prevented the mast installation due to the unhelpful legislation regarding the siting of mobile phone masts.

Cllr James McInnes

Leader of West Devon Borough Council

Cllr Mrs Margaret Garton

Deputy Leader of West Devon Borough Council