A FORTNIGHT ago when reading the morning papers I drafted a letter to you. I was incensed by the continual portrayal of matters which ought to receive some action but which in fact go on and on.
I refer to the fact that touring coaches are not visiting Okehampton, a matter highlighted by the chairman of the chamber of trade.
I did not then submit a letter to you, but last Thursday I was prompted by a letter you have published from Mr Williams of Castle Road.
Leaving for the moment his accurate comment that we should never have got into this state, because there were already two supermarkets, he makes suggestions as to what could be done now.
All three of his suggestions are to make a coach park. I second him in this, but I have long felt that Okehampton could well do with a bus station and more car parking, to go with a park for visiting coaches. Where would it be?
Mr Williams focuses his attention on the East Ockment river, but I have always thought that some consideration should be given to West Bridge over the West Ockment, from where almost all bus and coach services already depart (although one wonders why the town service 318 does not stop there).
It had not occurred to me to divert the river, I do not know whether this is possible, but would it not be possible to cover over the river? This would provide some space, and possibly there could be ground-level and a story above. This is a matter for architects.
I do feel that Mr Williams has brought into the light of day something which should be discussed, and to quote his words, our planners and masters should come up with ideas soon.
Geoffrey Gill
East Cleave
Sourton