ON the front page of the Okehampton Times, (August 29) I read Cheers! Locals delight as fight for pub is won. This report by Alison Stephenson held my attention and since then it has been interesting to read the ?Letters to the Editor? from people with views and opinions on the old Moorcroft Inn, at Exeter Road, Okehampton.

David Luckhurst (October 31) wrote saying he has seen the Moorcroft Inn as a hive of activity and enjoyed many a pint there for three years. For many of us at this end of town this was our ?village pub?.

Jan Hazell (October 31) suggests a transformation with a few hanging baskets, flower tubs, landscaped gardens, a children?s area; the list is endless, she writes, and then rightly points up ?Hard Work? for it to become attractive. That is after the present derelict situation.

Ken Porcher (October 24) highlights compelling evidence that there have been five owners of the old building and business since 1996 and, interestingly, none of these owners were able to turn the ?inn? into a profitable concern. That really speaks volumes.

H Topliss, (November 7) with his Devonian wife has lived long enough to understand the essentials of business plans and has perhaps hit the ?nail on the head? with his sensible analysis of the whole affair. What chance has the Moorcroft Inn? None! A verdict from this gentleman that could be right!

Seeing the people?s views and reading between the lines, with no balance sheet to hand, I frankly consider West Devon Borough Council would now be wise to have contributions of Council Tax from eight new homes, rather than see yet another business effort fail on the site.

One can imagine folk in the new homes at the Moorcroft Close development would be happy to brighten up the whole area with good colourful hanging baskets. This certainly would be an improvement for Okehampton residents and hundreds of visitors to the historic Dartmoor town who now pass a decaying eyesore building.

Finally, please kindly note that I have no connection with the developer, the planning committee or any member of the council. Truly an independent Don.

Donald Bibey

Okemoor Park

Okehampton