IT'S always sad when an organisation has to consider closing its doors, especially after 40 years;  I am referring to the possibility of the under 5s group at Mary Tavy closing due to low numbers, as reported in the Times last week.

Their difficulties highlight a problem in so many villages, the lack of new blood and young families, and this can, in part at least, be put down to policies of providing affordable homes not being implemented. 

Continually politicians, councillors and authorities bang on about housing – not only for young families but also sheltered housing so that larger houses potentially come back onto the market – so you would have thought there would not be a shortage. 

However, many local authorities and parish councils see affordable homes as some form of second class housing which may affect the value of their houses and in general local young people cannot afford the prices now being asked for village homes.  So more and more houses are becoming either second homes or being bought by the older generation, which unfortunately usually means less business for local shops and pubs and no need for village schools.

Mary Tavy is a prime example, when a building plot came up for development in the centre of the village many years ago, plans were agreed for five affordable homes.  Now councillors seem to be happy with accepting one or two even though the need in the parish has increased to in excess of 12.

Our villages are becoming populated by holiday makers and the elderly which is not good news for the future or for our countryside. Let's force people to stand by their election propaganda, otherwise the countryside is in danger of becoming a very large nursing home or theme park.

Michael Cook

Mary Tavy