I FULLY support the comments made by Denise Curtis in last week's Times.

The subject matter of a minor Tesco store opening nearby has negatively dominated the attention, whereas the concentration of the subject should have been the question of encouraging some creative input into Tavistock, to enliven its environment and at the same time to bring it into the 21st century to attract local and outlying area potential visitors and customers.

The high streets throughout the UK are changing. We need to welcome new ideas that would also perhaps encourage young entrepreneurs to bring new energy to the area.

For example, why not require the local authority to provide half business rates just to all Tavistock first time shop owners for the first three years of opening.

The local council are allowed, as laid down by government, to offer that kind of financial encouragement.

Such a principle idea could then bring forward young and keen locals to bring a multitude of new business, especially in respect of food and leisure which is now the new need resulting from some loss of trade due to the success of on-line shopping etc. This would also importantly bring potential employment prospects for Tavistock.

I previously introduced, successfully, to other shopping streets for example, local yearly awards for the following — the best shop window display, them most attractive environment for the café or restaurant, the best food, the best flower display and shop environment etc. To visit Tavistock, it is noticeable that it is most difficult to obtain a selection of operating cafes after 4pm.

The area needs a fresh approach which could also bring with it venues offering both grown up and children's state of the art computer environments and which computer elements can then be linked in with the leisure areas referred to.

Why not introduce a six or eight seat passenger taxi to constantly collect, bring and return customers regularly to the high street from the outlying free car parks?

As a charitable contribution, I would offer freely £1,000 in principle towards a purchase of that mini bus. Together with a small contribution from each shop owner per annum, it would, I am sure, only require a minimum amount to cover such total annual cost. All would benefit, including traders, and certainly that would apply to Tavistock residents.

The chamber of commerce and its officers noticeably offer nothing except objections. They have shown themselves to be outdated and behind the times.

Come on Tavistock, wake up and let's move forward!

Frank Phillips

Magpie Bridge

Yelverton