I AM neither planning to buy a new car, nor, as a longstanding resident of 30 years, am I likely to be using a youth café but I am profoundly depressed by reading about the negative attitude of some members of Tavistock Town Council which will prevent the use of the town's large empty patio (or Bedford Square in other words) for a motor show and has stamped on the idea of using the present library building for a badly needed youth café in favour of short-term 'business units' (if the short-term businesses can afford the rents which many old established shopkeepers in Duke Street for example can no longer do.)

On only a few occasions in the last year can I remember seeing Bedford Square really alive; most colourful of all was the day when a farmers' market was held there and the band was playing and the square was alive with people.

Then there is Dickensian Evening and Goose Fair Day but for most of the rest of the time, it is empty, devoid of ornament, trees, flowers and people. I fail to understand why roundabouts and stalls are acceptable and motor cars are not.

I understand that one objection was the fact that the council might be seen to be 'be encouraging the use of motor cars'. Heavens alive! Without motor cars and the people in them, Tavistock would die. If nothing else perhaps the revenue from such an event could help to pay for just a fraction of the flower displays which make Truro and Dartmouth such a delight to visit in the summer.

As for the youth café, without somewhere to hang out, talk and meet each other, it is not surprising that other, less desirable attractions may fill the void. Vandalism is an activity of the bored. Young people need a place of their own which doesn't cost them much money, and is friendly and safe.

I hope the people of Tavistock, if they love their town as I do, will put pressure and continue to put pressure on those who seek to preserve the town in aspic — for positive uses of Bedford Square and for the arrival of the youth café which Tavistock's young people so badly need.

I love Tavistock. I want it to thrive and I want our young people to feel that they are valued and belong here.

Maureen Bridge

4 Watts Road

Tavistock