CONFUSION regarding the consultation currently taking place regarding the installation of pay and display machines in Tavistock town centre this week sparked a response by Devon County Council.

The county's cabinet has resolved that the machines should be introduced as soon as possible, following a consultation which started last week.

But the reference number on lamp post signs on the applicable streets in Tavistock differs from the reference which was published in the Times last week, prompting many phone calls to the paper.

A spokesman for the county council this week said it was usual practice to use one reference number on advertisements which applied to two towns — as in this case, where Tavistock and Okehampton are concerned.

The spokesman insisted that provided responses mentioned the town to which the consultee was referring, any reference number would not make a difference.

The proposed pay and display scheme would apply to Bedford Square, Brook Street, Duke Street, Elbow Lane, Russell Street and West Street. Parking in this area would be limited to an hour, costing 60p, or free for half an hour. The charges would apply from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

The spokesman said he had already had 'considerable' response to the proposed parking meters.

'It's definitely stirred up feelings — at the moment, I would say nobody wants them,' he said.

The consultation finishes on Thursday, December 9.

Objections or comments should be made to the County Solicitor, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QD, or go to the website at http://www.devon.gov.uk/traffic-orders">www.devon.gov.uk/traffic-orders and respond online.