WEST Devon Borough Council has recently announced its intentions to refurbish the public toilets in Guildhall Square (Times, August 9), claiming the public are in favour of its scheme to provide direct access toilets, ie walk-in off the street. At the consultation in January returned questionnaires showed some 54% of respondents in favour, compared to simple internal refurbishment of the present toilet block. However, the council, through its officers, has consistently declared a direct access scheme is safer and will reduce vandalism, claims they have been unable to substantiate, such declaration undoubtedly distorting the public preference. In addition what was not said, among others, is: l The proposed development pays no heed to the national and local architectural and historic importance of the site on which this building stands l The proposed design is contrary to council objectives for the built environment and to its documented policies to preserve the setting of its Listed Buildings l According to borough documentation the direct access design is ?not appropriate? in this location l The scheme offers some 33% less toilet provision over the old toilet block l The design is likely more expensive than simple internal refurbishment l Direct access is preferred by the borough as it offers ?natural surveillance? of users of these facilities The proposed direct access design is wholly inappropriate for this historically and architecturally very important part of Tavistock and safe and robust facilities can easily be provided by simple refurbishment within the walls of the present building. Alex Mettler, Courtenay Road, Tavistock