FURTHER to your front page article, 'High-handed and undemocratic', (November 4), I would like to add some comments of my own.

My husband and I have owned a property in Dolvin Road for over 30 years and have seen many changes take place, particularly with regard to the increased usage of the road with the implementation of the Tavistock Traffic Plan which meant that Dolvin Road became a 'Relief Road'.

We attended numerous meetings and consultations at the time (a pity that West Devon Borough Council did not see fit to consult with their residents in September 2010) and from the outset it was obvious that the County Highways Authority and WDBC wanted the change of use of Dolvin Road to a major road.

As 'sweeteners', residents were offered the opportunity of having the parking permits. We cannot recall any officer or councillor of either council stating that these would only be for the benefit of existing residents at that time. Our understanding was that if we were to sell our property then we were able to tell the prospective buyer that off-street parking was available on application to WDBC for the relevant permits, free of charge. Indeed, that is what happened in recent years when properties have changed hands.

I recognise that some Tavistokians might feel that Dolvin Road residents are very fortunate, but I can assure them that the increase in road usage here was not of our choosing. Speaking to local estate agents this week I was not surprised to be told that if the parking permits are removed with the sale of a property then the very least they would expect is for the property to take longer to sell. Some were fairly sure that the value of property here would be impacted upon.

WDBC are concerned that the income from their car parks will fail to produce the projected income for the financial year 2010/2011. In a recent car park management report it is acknowledged that 'a decrease in the usage of the car parks' has not helped this situation. Strange that, isn't it? I'm confident that just as many cars have been parked in Tavistock as in numerous years. Where do they disappear? Take a look at the roads in Tavistock where on-street parking is allowed, they are jam-packed by 9am most working days. The car parking charges are likely to increase again this year in the borough's car parks. Is this really the way to go?

Lin Seeley

Dolvin Road

Tavistock