TRAVELLING home from Exeter to 'our wonderful town' I found myself desperate to pee — so desperate I couldn't drive any further. I pulled into a farm entrance just before you enter the moor and after opening both nearside doors let nature take its course. I couldn't stop if you paid me £1,000,000!
Suitably relieved, I was grateful that only two cars had passed (for which I apologise, and I also by publication of this letter should like to thank the farmer for having such a conveniently situated farm driveway).
The reason I tell you of my desperate need is that soon after Lodestone Border Morris dancers had performed in the Square on Boxing Day I met a couple who were on a 50th wedding anniversary trip from Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, to our fine town, and they informed me that the toilets were locked shut! The market was closed and they felt very embarrassed. I apologised on the town's behalf and said I would write to you.
I realise that I've read letters on this subject before, but none of these had touched me as much as today — probably because of my recent experience. On a day when the hunt gather and the town puts on Morris dancing of such excellent standard, why oh why do we return to a Dickensian world once more — which may be romantic but won't help 75 people or so!
I write this with a cup of coffee going cold — but should I be thinking of finishing it?
G J Bateman
Address supplied
l West Devon Borough Council says one of the problems it faces in leaving public conveniences open over Christmas is vandalism. In Tavistock, the conveniences at the Wharf were open on Christmas and Boxing Days — situated next to the main car parks and leisure facilities, these were deemed to be the most suitable to open. But the council says that, regrettably, the toilets were subject to severe vandalism and it had to close the disabled facilities.