I AM very sorry that Tavistock Police Station is to be closed. Many years ago I let go of my three-year-old daughter's hand to reach for my purse and when I looked down she had gone. Tavistock was packed with Christmas shoppers none of whom had seen her.  

My older daughters and I searched frantically for what seemed like hours but was probably no more than five minutes and then decided we should alert the police that she was missing.

Imagine our joy and relief when we found her at the police station where a dear old couple visiting the town had taken her.

She was sitting on the counter giving the policeman her phone number — a Lydford number, so they knew we must be in town shopping — and the policeman was preparing to look after her until we came for her.  

We all shed tears — policeman included — and rejoiced at a happy outcome!

What will happen now in a similar situation?

Barbara Weeks

Bal Lane

Mary Tavy