I RECENTLY stopped in Okehampton on the way to West Cornwall to visit a sick relative in hospital in Truro.
After the long run from the Midlands I needed a break and some sustenance, hence I decided to stop at Okehampton.
I parked in Waitrose car park, bought an hour ticket — I was after a short break, not a tourist outing — and sought food in Waitrose.
It had no café, which is quite unusual. The obliging staff recommended a local establishment that indeed was excellent.
However, I reached the restaurant at a time when they were very busy and we waited patiently for over 30 minutes; it was worth the wait.
We immediately left the restaurant, bought some flowers in a local shop — where I commiserated with the owner on the problems of tourism and foot and mouth — and bought a get-well card at a local shop.
We then returned to our car to see a gentleman leaving our vehicle having just affixed a parking ticket which imposes a penalty of £80 — £40 if paid in 14 days — for being twelve minutes late.
On the face of it, the car park appears to be associated with Waitrose, in Malvern Waitrose gives two hours free parking to customers.
This very tough policy appears over-zealous and unwelcoming. I won't stop at Okehampton again.
W G Wills
7 Cherry Tree Drive
Fruitlands
Malvern