I NOTICED a few weeks ago that the play area at the end of Church Lea and adjacent to the Whitchurch churchyard was being tidied up. The old play equipment was removed, the grass was cut and a picnic bench and seats were provided. I wrote to Tavistock Town Council suggesting that a second goal would be appreciated by the youngsters who play football there, and, lo and behold, a second goal has appeared. Brilliant! The same praise could not be given to West Devon Borough Council who have only one ticket machine working in Bedford Car Park. I reported this fault four weeks ago and I am still amazed at how honest the citizens of Tavistock are that they continue to plod all the way from the town end of the park to near the Guide Hall to get a ticket. The machine opposite the Wharf also is out of action. I was told this morning by a council official that the machines had not been operative for some six weeks. The official appeared to be lurking some 75 yards from the useless machine, one can only suppose the object was to catch those who could not be bothered to get a ticket. Since half off those who use the car park seem to be on sticks or zimmer frames and it is usually pouring with rain this council do not deserve a penny from car parking charges if they cannot get it fixed within this time-frame. Name and address supplied
