I AM more appreciative of the Meadows than Ms Hendry (Letters, April 1).
In 20 years' residence in Tavistock, its varied and splendid trees, well cared for grass, and the sound and sparkle of the river have given me much pleasure. The paths are kept in good order and the water board has recently made good the erosion of the canal bank; a pleasant feature of the canal is its three footbridges, each a fine example, from the 19th, 20th and 21st century. Also, children and some adults were much relieved when the staff of the town council works department found a way of ridding it of aggressive Muscovy ducks. They have also done a splendid job of enlarging and improving the children's play area.
Sadly, the town council has had to demolish the canal-side shelter that for years was spoiled by crude graffiti and vandalism. They could, with advantage, replace the metal, box-like café with one of more pleasing garden or rustic design.
Ms Hendry probably does not know that a fairground arrived in the Meadows for the first time last year and after giving much entertainment left the ground in perfect condition, as required by the town council works department.
The problems created by litter louts and uncaring dog owners call for constant policing, especially in warm summer evenings. But those are national problems for which the town council and its staff should not be singled out for criticism.
Graham Kirkpatrick