I AM very disappointed with the decision taken by the Partnership Committee to retain the Whitchurch Rural Gateway in its present form.

It should be remembered that this scheme was introduced as an experiment and in my opinion the review undertaken has not taken account of user concerns by way of full and open consultation as to whether the scheme has secured those objectives it set out to achieve.

As with planning issues, I have much concern that decisions taken on local issues are not being taken by locally elected members who have both local knowledge and understanding of people's views on matters like this.

The balance of decision making should not be placed in the hands of members drawn from the outer areas of West Devon, many of whom would not have travelled through the Rural Gateway to experience at first hand those concerns that local people have.

Hopefully, planned changes to local government under consideration may in time lead to decisions being taken by local people for local people.

Roy Connelly

Tavistock town and county councillor