THERE is a conspiracy to make Tavistock a ?No Go? area, but need it be done in July or August, the peak tourist period? Crowndale Road shut for a week, Callington Road reduced to single line, Whitchurch road with traffic lights near the Market!
For years officials have masterminded the disruption of town life. Why a food festival in the pannier market on a Saturday, thus losing traders 20% of their week?s takings, adding insult by charging £2 to enter. Could it not have been in the town hall and free?
Tavistokians said years ago that traffic chaos would occur if the Square was enhanced. Now traffic is backed up most days from Drake?s Statue to the Square.
What happened to those outdoor activities on the dirty grey Portuguese granite that is called a square? We were all promised that it would be a vibrant centre for activities, maypole dancing, jugglers and mummers. Sorry, no offence to the farmers? markets ? they could operate every Saturday to liven up the place. Let?s have a free forum for the arts! Oops! mentioned the word free! Slap on wrist!
The conspiracy of silence over all changes pervades the culture of councillors and officials. (Perhaps there is a hidden threat from Al Qaeda. Yes that must be it!) Roads are narrowed without consultation. No fall back plan for obstructions on major routes. Bus services are withdrawn without notice, presumably to increase the revenue if you can?t drive far so have to park for five hours or more in order to catch a bus to Derriford or Plymouth.
We have the highest council taxes, highest parking charges, highest water charges and some of the lowest wages in the country. Some clever clogs is going to dispute this, we know, but so what? Let?s go for UDI for Tavistock.
Everyone knows that Tavistock only became the most prestigious market town because the judges couldn?t find a way in. At the time every road in was blocked with road works or another stupid initiative.
Ian Kilpatrick
Whitchurch Road, Tavistock