THERE have been a number of letters and articles in the paper recently very critical of councillors, criticism is to be expected, but I would like to put my view.

Tavistock's town councillors give freely (no pay, no expenses) of a great deal of their time for the people of our town. It isn't possible to please everyone. Legislation makes the task of being a councillor increasingly onerous.

Fire and new disabled access regulations mean that we have either to spend more than £250,000 gutting and rebuilding the existing council building or sell it and move. Sensibly we are looking at the possibilities of other buildings we own including the Court Gate complex. Many councillors made time to go to Court Gate to view the library and learn about it, but sadly no one was able to meet us.

Disabled access to the council offices is by a 13-year-old 'stair climber', bought for £300 just over a year ago, a new one was £4,000. The climber must only be operated by a trained and certificated operator.

Providing facilities is a balancing act of needs and costs. The existing library building would be suitable as council offices but it is marketable and commercial use will maximise the number of people using the town centre during the day thus keeping the town vibrant and profitable.

The proposed youth centre is an interesting project but maybe the library is not the ideal site for it. Experience of vandalism taught us that the pannier market complex must be kept locked at night. Even a well run youth centre would not be trouble fee and if not 'exactly right' might not be used, like the one set up at the Alexander Centre. It isn't easy to get things right (have you every tried designing and then using, your 'ideal kitchen' within budget and in the existing space?)

The annual town meeting is on March 13 in the town hall, it is the place for asking questions, do come.

Will you consider standing for council next time?

Councillor Mrs Marjorie Corner

3 Parkwood Court

Parkwood Road

Tavistock

IN your Letters page (February 22) Mrs Every asks what planet I live on — I am an active grandmother, retired nurse/health visitor, business-woman and live very much in this real world. I have been a councillor for 12 years, this my second term as mayor.

I have always been involved in the sport and youth of this town and I am aware that many of the youngsters are involved in out-of-school activities. I have presented athletic and swimming awards and have been present at the recent public speaking debates and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards etc.

Sadly though, as we move into this new century, there are children growing up in a quickly changing world who have little structure to their family lives and with this in mind I have sympathy for a project which helps these youngsters.

I already support the work of the Alexander Centre and Youthwize, but the work of being a town councillor involves the use of one's head as well as one's heart and we cannot please all the people all the time.

Judith A Williams

Town Mayor

Tavistock

SOME of your readers may have seen the articles recently about the Pelican Youth Café project. It does appear to me that this is a very worthwhile suggestion.

It has the support of all the churches in the Tavistock area regardless of denomination. It would help to keep young people out of the pubs, the streets and the Meadows, none of which are ideal for younger teenagers.

I understand the idea would be for the project to be run by a responsible body of people drawn from the churches of Tavistock. Furthermore I have heard that the organisers are prepared to pay a fair and reasonable rent.

I do hope that the town council will seriously consider this project again. I appreciate that the council are looking for a high rent but is that everything if we can help the young people of our town?

Bill Smyly

Ex-town mayor

Pathways

Grenofen