WITH much anticipation I eagerly awaited the Okehampton Times last Thursday.

This was expected to contain letters, or comments of some kind, regarding the large sum of money being made available for regeneration of Okehampton. Sadly, not a word to be found!

After a dismal winter perhaps it could be put down to lethargy. Certainly, I pray, not down to apathy.

For here lies what must be the greatest opportunity Okehampton has ever had to make major progress. It will be a time for cool, sensible, heads who can use this money to maximum advantage.

Total control of this large sum must be kept within the locality, creating a town where job opportunities are increased.

That the house building will continue to race ahead is a certainty, but this in itself will not bring long term wealth to the district.

At present we rely very heavily on a few labour-intensive employers, if any of these fail we have no fall-back to cushion the blow.

My view is that by far the larger portion of the money available should be allocated into attracting companies here.

If this means some form of subsidy to get them started, then so be it.

But above all, please keep the money away from the expensive consultants, advisers and day-dreamers.

Bear well in mind the old maxim: Place not your trust in experts.

Ted Cann

1 Exeter Road

Okehampton