I COMPLETELY agree with Mr Scarborough (Letters, April 18) who suggests that those who value and appreciate the uniqueness of Tavistock should stand up and be counted.

This debate is not about the chamber of commerce supporting the town centre traders at all costs. It is about our heritage. Tavistock is within a World Heritage Site and as such is quite exceptional when compared with other market towns across the country. If we wish to retain this status and all that it represents, we must work hard.

The debate is also about the residents of Tavistock and the quality of community life. We all know how pleasurable it is to know and chat with the tradespeople who serve us and to meet others in a friendly and kindly environment.

Those who complain that Tavistock consists of cafés and charity shops must realise that this situation can only get worse, not better, if the balance between supermarkets and local traders is wrong.

I understand that West Devon Borough Council is well aware that Tavistock needs an effective DIY/hardware store, but that no offers have been forthcoming. This is not a good reason to suddenly change tack and allow an unnecessary further supermarket to develop the Focus site, and further efforts must be made to encourage a different business or small businesses on this site.

It is unrealistic to think that those who are attracted to Tesco-style shopping are ever going to do anything other than shop at Tesco and go directly home, which will leave the existing small traders on Plymouth Road Industrial Estate no better off.

West Devon Borough Council must also be aware of the traffic problems which will ensue at the Morrisons roundabout if another supermarket arrives there. These problems will not only have a significant effect on the residential areas in the immediate vicinity, but also affect every resident of Tavistock as they travel around.

It will shortly be time for the people of Tavistock to decide and when Tesco submit their planning application. I urge those who value the uniqueness of Tavistock to write to their borough council and object.

Gillian Hiles

Tavistock

HAVING attended the Tesco exhibition at the town hall, I am fast coming to the conclusion that their store on the Focus site would not be such a bad idea after all.

I am told that there will be constraints on what they are allowed to sell, so there cannot be any sudden additions such as a café or pharmacy later.

Also, there will be no room for extension on the site so it will remain a smallish store, unlike the giant Sainsbury's that tried to set up on the larger area out of town.

There are however, greater issues in the traffic problems that will occur due to the amount of extra cars trying to turn right out of the store into the Plymouth Road towards Tavistock. I cannot see how this would be resolved due to the proximity of the entrance/exit to the Morrisons roundabout.

If Tesco are allowed to move into Tavistock I do hope it will end all the demands for more supermarkets in the town.

Mrs C P Trafford-Smith

Meadow Brook

Tavistock