THE installation of bollards at the entrance of Tavistock's pannier market sparked heated debate during a meeting in the town last week. The removable bollards were put in place to prevent circulation of traffic in the market perimeter road — they are being locked into position from 9am until 4pm, removing the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles in the area during trading times. The decrease in traffic around the market has been welcomed by many traders and shoppers — but has also caused problems for some businesses who wish to take deliveries in and out of the area by car during the day. Members of the town council's properties committee last week clashed swords over their officers' operational decision to install the bollards. Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I really cannot fathom why we have pedestrianised that road. If we really feel that road is dangerous we should be reporting to Devon County Council about every street in Tavistock, because they are all infinitely more dangerous than that one.' Cllr Sherrell said there may have been incidents in the past where people tripped on paving stones, but he could not recall any accidents involving vehicles in the market precinct. He felt the council was being 'intimidated' by the 'health and safety culture' which inconvenienced people and cost money — he said the bollards should come down and any further action should be discussed by councillors at their usual monthly meetings. Cllr David Best said he appreciated the council had 'no option' but to make some sort of move to improve pedestrian safety in the area — but he said to deprive traders of their ability to work effectively over the busy Christmas period was 'unbelievable'. Cllr Philip Sanders said he was unaware of any accident in the area but felt any conflict may have been exacerbated by the council allowing pedestrian thoroughfares to be used for trading. 'If traders are disregarding regulations they should be stopped,' he said. 'Perhaps we should look at the terms of leases of some of these people — instead of trying to solve the problem we've just stuck bollards in the road.' Cllr David Whitcombe, chairman of the council's pannier market sub-committee, said: 'I sympathasise with councillors' remarks about health and safety but we had a very comprehensive report from the works superintendent telling us of the problems that could occur if we didn't look at the problem in a very serious manner. 'I've spoken to some traders already who said they sympathise with the problem and I'm pleased the town clerk has already had reports from the public saying how pleased they are to be able to walk around more safely.' Cllr Jane Ramsey said she had 'no hesitation' in supporting the council's employees regarding the new bollards — and felt they had backed their views up with clear evidence of need. And Cllr Mandy Govier said: 'We have a highly qualified member of staff who has made recommendations and if we don't take that advice, we could be personally liable, not the council. 'If there was an accident, whoever voted against that advice could be held liable.' Works superintendent Wayne Southall told the committee that his recommendation to install the bollards still stood and having spoken to traders, the majority were happy with the new arrangements. A proposal by Cllr Best that the bollards be removed and a sign erected warning drivers about pedestrians and asking them to travel at walking pace was rejected by members. The bollards will be discussed by the council again at its full meeting on January 8.
