I HAVE just received the progress report issued by Conservative councillors Eberlie and Keane. I am concerned that it appears certain comments within the documents could be interpreted as though they have created or adopted certain schemes as their own. One example is the 'Hoppa Bus' that was a project, I believe to be totally delivered by Tavistock Forward in partnership with local business.
However, my main concern has to be reserved for the idea of a body of prominent local residents who are to be personally invited by these same councillors onto a non-accountable and un-democratic body that can then come up with ideas on how they would like Tavistock to develop. They do however accept that they will wish to consult with us, the public, before 'going firm'.
I do believe that there is a better way and that is the tried and tested system called open and accountable government which already exists within the elected town and borough councils. That may be considered to be unfashionable these days compared to the focus groups that most political parties use, but it should still be the vehicle used for forming any vision of Tavistock for the future.
The future of Tavistock should be steered by democracy and not by the attempt to return us to a feudal environment by these councillors.
Iain Andrews
3 Inswell Court
Old Launceston Road
Tavistock