I WISH to add to the debate over the various proposals for the further enhancement of Tavistock. A great deal of work has been undertaken and I am sure that the people involved have the best interest of Tavistock at heart.

The possibility of a pot of money available is enticing but remember that it would not cover 100% of the proposed works. This would include the pannier market, Butcher's Hall, old buildings in West Street, King Street and the Guildhall itself with the Guildhall Car Park in front.

I take this opportunity to remind everyone of the last enhancement scheme funded by Devon County Council and EU on the back of the traffic scheme when the bridge was built, which produced some unsatisfactory results. Does anybody still monitor the air pollution levels outside Dolvin Road school as promised?

The area in front of the Town Hall where coaches and cars were parked for short periods was created to specifically enhance the setting of the Grade II Listed Buildings and Court Gate, which is an ancient scheduled monument. We now have Mediterranean paving slabs which are filthy, covered in pigeon droppings, chewing gum and food debris, regularly has grotty tents, a blacksmith who needs barriers around his stall for Health and Safety, a hog roast, various vehicles, this week a double-decker bus selling broadband and a garage selling cars with banners obliterating the views of the Town Hall.

All these items making money for the council but totally destroying the reason the space was created for.

Also, at this time, various pavements were widened but at all angles which are difficult for those with disabilities to walk on. The pavoir crossings, as new, looked alright but now are uneven and never get any maintenance, because it costs money!

The lead article in the Times of November 21 chose to show the option for the Guildhall Car Park area with no parking provided; there are, however, four options to discuss, some with car parking spaces with reduced numbers. I am told the present layout is not up to the required standards; more space needed for each car and safer areas to move vehicles around. The area in the front of the Guildhall steps does need to be traffic free as there is no pavement. Fewer spaces means less income, but if it is also true that councillors have passes to park for free then that should be stopped immediately!

The area around the pannier market, since removing parked vehicles has grown a plethora of more tents for stalls, which, when unmanned are covered with tarpaulins and it looks like a refugee camp.

There is also a fairground ride stored which is spoiling the area. A series of well-maintained large planters would look more acceptable.

Bank Square was enhanced in the late 80's; the area had shrubs, trees, nice seating. However, no maintenance and it was vandalised. All over the town pseudo Victorian street-furniture was installed – this was never cleaned or maintained and is now damaged and covered in green verdigris.

Aspirations are great; implementation leaves a lot to be desired.

Expensive enhancement ideas look great on paper but rarely achieve great outcomes, despite the pretty drawings.

Remember, we are an historic Dartmoor town. We do not need to imitate areas from Spain, Portugal or Italy — even if a little of their sunshine would be appreciated.

Judith Williams

Tavistock