IN response to Chris Dicker?s letter (December 15), regarding shopping in Tavistock during the Christmas period. Like him I had resolved to try and get most of my purchases in Tavistock and on the whole I have succeeded, with purchases in the market, lovely ladies? clothes shops, the ever-blessed Crebers, and particularly unique household and gift shops, offering a range of products at prices to suit me. However, the issue he raises with regard to shops not opening on Dickensian Evening I believe requires a breadth of understanding. In observing the effects of an outstanding ?shopping bonanza? evening with an amazing influx of shoppers during a relatively short period I feel many of our small family-run shops may have concerns regarding crime issues (shoplifting?) and therefore the balance of profit versus being open on the night. That may well be a deterrent to their not wishing to be part of this particular event. But as a showcase for Tavistock, now that the Square with its historic backdrop forms its rightful place as the centre for the community, Dickensian Evening is an amazing event which attracts people from far and wide in their many hundreds who seemingly are not deterred by a few closed shops or the weather. And on the evening there were so many street entertainers, it was just jolly good fun to be there. Congratulations to the persistence of the organisers who have raised this event over the years to its currently high and enjoyable standard. Cllr Margaret Garton Yelverton MR Dicker complained about the ?early closing? of Tavistock?s shops and pannier market and I must respond, if only to ensure he gets the facts right! The pannier market trades from 9am until 4pm (not 4.30pm) five days a week, and members of the public are welcome to retain access until 4.30pm; if traders are set up, they are also happy to chat to customers from about 8am. Very few other market towns are lucky enough to have a vibrant market most days of the week and if stallholders are packing at 3.45pm it is because: 1, They need time to pack before closing time at 5.15pm, and 2, Trade is slow, as it is all over the country. This, I am sure, also applies to the many small shops in town who work long hours with few staff, some of whom are not able to be open for a 12-hour day for Dickensian Evening. I hope that the majority of Tavistock?s residents feel as I do, that we are lucky to have a pretty market town with individual shops and a thriving market, which survives only as long as it is used by the people of the town. Julie McKenna Tavistock