I READ with both surprise and concern two articles in last week?s Times concerning the Town Council and its decisions regarding the French market and pannier market. Surely officials from the council could have resolved the parking issue with little more than a quiet word with the exhibitors. Possibly they did not understand the unusual parking restrictions imposed on the granite desert. As for the alleged alcohol infraction I would have thought the council and police could have liaised and then clarified the situation with the French organisers. As far as the pannier market is concerned I consider the town council needs to clarify a number of issues:- l Are there any conditions in either the pannier market charter or the original terms of gifting that protect community use of the pannier market? l What is the real reason for stopping the fifth weekend community use? My own belief is that the traders are effectively dictating policy to the council. The council is wrong to suggest that alternatives exist ? the town hall is not particularly suitable not being at ground level. Other than the town hall where can you go? l Is it true that one or more traders are paying £15-20,000 annual rent? If true then the council must be very rich indeed. I understood that traders only pay a minimal daily rental for the days they actually trade, if so then a day lost to community use is not a real rental loss. Finally let me wholeheartedly support Ted Sherrell. The pannier market is a town asset and should be available to the town community. Wake up Tavistock! If this policy goes forward without opposition you will eventually find the pannier market will become little more than a permanent traders? market place. Jeffrey Stackhouse Devon Consols Tavistock
