REGARDING the perceptive, mind concentrating letters of Mr Jeffrey Stackhouse (Times, March 7) and Mr Bob Jones (Times, March 14) in which they criticise the absurdities of the 'Grenofen Rural Gateway', I must say I agree with them entirely.

Devon County Council foisted this pointless, ill-judged scheme upon us many years ago for no discernable logical reason, ignoring the views and objections of Tavistock Town Council and virtually all town representatives on West Devon Borough Council.

Without doubt, Mr Jones' words that the 'Gateway' should be removed and re-instated to double track are wise and reflect the opinions of an overwhelming majority of local people; his exhortation — 'Come on councillors, you know it makes sense' — is in my view, indisputable. Yet a decade-plus, of local residents and councillors trying to get this grotesque 'obstacle course' removed has foundered, constantly, upon the rocks of the county council's mule-like intransigence.

It is not impossible that long, sustained pressure for the removal of the 'Gateway' could yet bring about its demise in the fulness of time, but it is not easy to be optimistic.

Ted Sherrell

Ward member for Tavistock South, Tavistock Town and West

Devon Borough Councils