IS it not glaringly obvious that the paved area of Bedford Square is a pedestrian precinct suitable for limited vehicular use? Its former function as part of the highway is totally irrelevant today. That Devon County Council continues to claim jurisdiction illustrates yet again that town and parish councils do not have the authority to act in the best interests of their constituents in many aspects of community life. Authority is in the hands of county and borough councils, a majority of whose members are unfamiliar with most of the towns and rural areas that they control ? and their populations. Since the demise of the urban and rural district councils Local Government has become Remote Government. And so it will continue until the town and parish councils insist upon governing their electoral areas. Major concerns such as highway maintenance and education provision should remain with the Remote Authorities but subject in every instance to town or parish council agreement. Tavistock Town Council please note and be prepared to defend the town and uphold the name of Local Government. G Kirkpatrick Tavistock